The Imitation of Christ (Vintage Spiritual Classics) [Paperback]

Thomas a Kempis (Author), Joseph N. Tylenda (Translator)

Book Description

Release date: March 24, 1998

Only the Bible has been more influential as a source of Christian devotional reading than The Imitation of Christ. This meditation on the spiritual life has inspired readers from Thomas More and St. Ignatius Loyola to Thomas Merton and Pope John Paul I. Written by the Augustinian monk Thomas à Kempis between 1420 and 1427, it contains clear instructions for renouncing wordly vanities and locating eternal truths.  No book has more explicitly and movingly described the Christian ideal: "My son, to the degree that you can leave yourself behind, to that degree will you be able to enter into Me." With a new Preface by Sally Cunneen, author of In Search of Mary: The Woman and the Symbol.

"God is our home but many of us have strayed from our native land.  The venerable authors of these Spiritual Classics are expert guides--may we follow their directions home."
--Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The Thomas à Kempis fan club includes St. Ignatius, Thomas Merton, Thomas More, and even Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. (She reads a chapter of The Imitation of Christ every night before sleep.) Imitation has exerted immense influence on Christian worship, ethics, and church structure, because it gives specific yet broad-minded guidance about the central task of Christian life--learning to live like Jesus. Better to read this book a little here and there, now and then, than to try gobbling it cover to cover. Imitation is no triumph of orderly thinking, but it's a great monument and incentive to deep living. --Michael Joseph Gross

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Latin

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Vintage; Rev Sub edition (March 24, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375700188
• ISBN-13: 978-0375700187
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.6 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,436 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #74 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Worship & Devotion > Meditations

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly the Best Translation December 28, 1999

By Edwin Matthew Cash

Format:Paperback

This translation, by Dr. Joseph Tylenda, S.J.,Director of the Theology Center At Georgetown University, is truly the finest I've seen. If you are a reader of Classic Works this translation is a must. If you are not, it will truly inspire you. The scriptures are cleverly placed in italics with complete Bible references. A very well written history is also provided. The beautiful cover makes this an ideal gift at holidays and special occasions. This is one of the world's most famous devotionals, truly a great Christian work. When you have the time take a look for yourself.

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Spiritual Classic of the West May 20, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

Imitation of Christ is said to be the most influential spiritual work in Western Christendom other than the Bible itself. This fresh contemporary translation from the 15th Century Latin edition makes the timeless wisdom of this classic available to modern readers in easily understandable language, while retaining the austerity, simplicity and beauty of the original. Meant to be read in small portions, the Imitation is truly a guide for discovering personal holiness. The Imitation speaks to one's heart, rather than one's mind, and provides one with strength, inspiration and fortitude to grow in one's interior spiritual life. Although written from the presepctive of a mideval monastic, The Imitation contains classic advice for every individual who wishes to develop and grow in faith and personal spirituality.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars awesome January 20, 2004

By stevenhorr

Format:Paperback

For a period in my life, I read this book perhaps more frequently than any other book. It is quintessential Christian reading. Following Christ isn't just about joy. We are called to deny ourselves daily, and to carry our crosses. More than console, this book calls us to imitate Christ, to do the real tough work of living in humility and obedience. It is beautiful, passionate, powerful, and challenging. Read it.