The Imitation of Christ: In Four Books (320/00) - Hardcover

Kempis, Thomas A

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0899423205 ISBN 13: 9780899423203

Publisher: Catholic Book Publishing, 1988

Synopsis

The Imitation of Christ 978-0-89942-320-3

The Imitation of Christ, a deeply spiritual book by Thomas à Kempis, is the one book second only to the Bible in popularity among Catholics. Throughout this book, readers will find themselves experiencing the peace and wisdom that has comforted believers from all corners of the world. The pages of this consoling guide show readers how better to live the life of a Christian by closely following Christ's example. The Imitation of Christ will help to enable those seeking guidance in the midst of today's challenges to find encouragement to imitate Christ in many of life's situations.

Among the Features of this Book:

• Sturdy Hardcover
• Convenient size for nightstand, office or handbag
• Illustrations Throughout of Jesus
• Multi-color illustrations of The Holy Rosary
• Convenient size for nightstand, office or handbag
• Faithfully Translated
• Divided into Four Books or Sections

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Benefits of a small, pocket-sized book, tailored to its compact nature:

• Portability: Its lightweight, slim design slips easily into a pocket, purse, or bag, making it a constant companion for commutes, waiting rooms, or travel--perfect for a quick read, like a parable or prayer, anytime inspiration strikes.
• Convenience: The small size encourages spontaneous use. Whether it's a collection of Jesus' miracles or short reflections, you can flip it open with one hand during a coffee break, maximizing idle moments without needing a dedicated setup.
• Focus: Limited page space distills content to essentials--say, a single miracle or life lesson per chapter. This brevity sharpens attention, offering bite-sized wisdom that's easy to digest and ponder in a busy day.
• Discretion: Its unobtrusive size lets you read privately in public spaces, like a bus or park bench, without drawing attention. A pocket book of faith, for instance, becomes a quiet source of comfort or strength.
• Affordability: Smaller books typically cost less to produce and buy, making them an accessible gift or personal treat. A family might share a stack of them--each exploring a different miracle--without breaking the bank.

These qualities make a pocket-sized book a practical, powerful tool for enrichment on the go.
The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, a 15th-century devotional classic, holds profound importance for its timeless call to spiritual depth and humility. Written for monks but embraced by laypeople, this concise yet potent work urges readers to emulate Jesus' life--his patience, self-denial, and love--over worldly pursuits. Its enduring relevance lies in its simplicity and universality, offering practical wisdom amid life's complexities.
The book's core message is transformative: true peace comes from surrendering pride and aligning with Christ's example. Kempis writes, "Learn to despise outward things and to give yourself to inward things, and you will see the Kingdom of God come within you." This shift from ego to soul resonates across centuries, especially in today's materialistic culture, where distractions abound. Structured in short, meditative chapters, it invites daily reflection--perfect for a pocket-sized companion--guiding readers through trials like adversity or temptation with grace.
Its influence spans denominations, shaping figures like Ignatius of Loyola and John Wesley, and its accessibility ensures anyone can grasp its call to holiness. For families or individuals, it's a quiet anchor, fostering virtues like compassion and resilience. By imitating Christ, Kempis argues, we find purpose beyond fleeting success--a message as vital in 2025 as in 1418.

About this title

Review

If a man tells you that he is fond of the Imitation, view him with sudden suspicion; he is either a dabbler or a saint...Heaven help us if we find easy reading in the Imitation of Christ (Ronald Knox)

None, I believe, except the Bible, has been so universally read and loved by Christians of all tongues and sects (Thomas Carlyle)

The most influential devotional book in Western Christian history (Professor John van Engen)

From the Back Cover

If you seek Jesus in all things, you will surely find Jesus.

The Imitation of Christ has enjoyed an unparalleled place in the world of books for more than five hundred years. 5000 different editions have been published over the centuries, and it has been translated into almost every language in the world. Thomas a Kempis was a late medieval Catholic monk, a simple man, who looked deeply into what it means to know God and have a relationship with Jesus. He wrote about humility, patience, simplicity, and persistence--virtues that are for every age.

" When I graduated from high school, my pastor gave me a book. The book I received as a gift was The Imitation of Christ. On the title page, he wrote: ' You will have a happy life by adhering to the wisdom in this book.' "

--Br. Benet Tvedten, from the Introduction

Edition details

• Publisher: Catholic Book Publishing
• Publication date: 1988
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0899423205
• ISBN 13: 9780899423203
• Binding: Imitation Leather
• Number of pages: 288