The Imitation of Christ (Dover Thrift Editions)

Reads clearly and faithfully, preserving the original's meditative depth without unnecessary modernization or simplification. Great for daily reading/reflection- especially during Advent, Lent, or any season of spiritual focus. Profound insights on suffering, humility, seeking God's will, and finding true peace in Christ, rather than fleeting comforts. While rooted in Catholic tradition, its core message resonates across denominations. A must-read for anyone serious about the spiritual life.

Great book. Translation is easy to read. Typeface is a tad small but the book is a good value. Will buy.mote for friends

Made me reflect on how I carryout my life. Even only page 2 of the book. Deeply humbling

~A Carmelite Hermit/Priest once came upon me reading a copy of 'The Imitation of Christ' in the cloistered garden of the hermitage that I was living at temporarily. He sat beside me and looked at my book with a warm smile, he said "Always keep this book close to your heart, and you will never go astray". Since that day, it is rare for me to go anywhere without a well read copy of the Catholic Classic stuffed with care in my bag, and read a chapter or two every chance I get. It never gets 'old', and it's refreshing, penetrating words always "speak to me" in new and inviting ways, as if it were the first time reading that particular passage every time! I was very pleased to see these new leather zip-cover versions, as I've gone through a couple soft cover versions with daily wear and tear, in and out of the backpack, etc. There are two versions in these similar covers, two different translations by two seperate publishers. The one pictured here is my personal favorite, published by TAN, it is the same trusted and true old translation that is found in the beloved old 'Confraternity of the Precious Blood' versions.... that familiar little blue soft-covered version with stunning b&w detailed pictures to meditate upon as you read. This version was originally translated from Latin by Richard Challoner D.D., and is more true to the original translation. Though it is written in an older style of proper English, it is easy enough for most people to comprehend, and the older writing style has much artistic, poetic charm that is often times lost in some of the newer 'up-to-date' English translations. Remember, this is the second most translated and published book in history next to the Holy Bible! The other new leather zip-cover version available now looks nearly identical to this, but rather than a Cross on the front cover, it has a 'Chi Ro' design and omits the authors' name. This version, equally impressive, is put out by the Catholic Book Publishing Co., and is the same translation (edited by Clare L.Fitzpatrick) that is available in the small red hardcover version that is quite popular by the same publisher. This too is an excellent version, but the translation is much more modern and more readable by the everyday layperson, or anyone who wishes to hear this timeless wisdom in a more easily accessible version without the 'thee's, thou's, and shall's" of the aforementioned version. It's personal preference, example... first line of the TAN version = "He that followeth me, walketh not in darkness," ..... as opposed to the CBPC's version, "No one who follows Me will ever walk in darkness." (John 8:12). ~But, to be truly enlightened and touched by these timeless words of wisdom of the Spiritual Life, I reccommend buying both versions, and absorbing both as to get a better understanding of these holy and guiding words. There are those who may say that A' Kempis's writings are 'not for everyone', as most of his writings were written to give guidance to the young novitiates of his monastic order where he served as Novice Master for a time, but please do not let that turn you away from the holy and life changing power of his spiritually uplifting direction that still speaks to many today. If you have any call to any form of holiness, or just want to enhance and reinvigorate your daily spiritual life, there is no way that you can go wrong with Thomas A 'Kempis and this, his most well known and loved body of work.

I found this book very interesting and inspirational, wisdom that is timeless.

Thomas à Kempis has been a reliable source of good advice and insights since the Middle Ages. Project Gutenberg explains it well - ..."this is a spiritual treatise written in the early 15th century. This work focuses on the importance of embodying the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing humility, inner reflection, and a life of devotion to God over worldly concerns. Recommended.

The book is realistic even today as when it was written in the 1400’s. Bible verses are quoted and noted. The ending has sections to read for personal needs, struggles and professions; lastly sites to read for Holy Communion as well as sites for Retreats. This Book has occasional blk/white beautiful detailed drawings. Font is small Shiny satin burgundy ribbon marker Gold gilt paper edges Printed and bound in India The plastic zipper is well sewn with a sturdy metal zipper pull. While paging through book, the zipper upper corner feels scratchy. Since it’s to be a gift, I’m careful not to flex or bend the cover.

Great price on a classic book

Bellissimo!

Wonderful read, greatly inspirational

Nice product

Nice little book in a leather cover with zipper and prints of the exquisite Doré engravings, but that's the only positive thing I can say about it. The translation is an old 19th or early 20th century translation of the Imitatio Christi, which is not easy to read, and which I do not like at all. The print is extremely small and for me even too small to comfortably read with my reading glasses on.

This book is amazing! Firstly, the physical condition of the book I received from Dover Classics was in 5 out of 5 condition. I am starting to really like Dover classics, they produce a lot of what I consider to be important literature and make it available at a really low price. Now the book itself is just something else. I had never previously read a book like this before. I first purchased a book called the Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster, and I found his book to be really helpful. In his book he mentioned the Imitation of Christ, so I then purchased this book. This book is extraordinary and I myself had never read anything comparable to it. I find it really helpful in my relationship with God. Afterwards I did a little bit of research trying to find other books that I thought might be helpful in aiding my development as a Christian. I won't bore you with the whole list, the ones that have really wowed me so far(which is just the beginning of this reading adventure of mine) are 'Dark Night of the Soul' by St. John of the Cross, and 'Interior Castle' by Teresa of Avila. There is a wealth of awe inspiring, jaw dropping, immensely helpful Christian literature out here. I was never aware of this. The tried and true literature has survived the test of time for a reason and I have discovered for myself that I do myself great favours by starting with it, rather than reading what might be in vogue currently by now 'reputable authors' (which I consider debatable after reading some of these older more renowned books). Do yourself a favour, buy this book, read it, implement it. For me, it, as well as a few others, some of which I mentioned, have helped in a very profound and meaningful way in my life. I hope the same for you.