The first edition of the novel was published in 1418, and was written by thomas a kempis. The imatation of christ by thomas a kempis and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at. For those wishing to develop their christian faith and to deepen their understanding of what it is meant to be truly christlike a lofty and challenging aspiration in this 21st century then this little book of thomas a kempis 80 1471 may be for you. Join with millions of believers who have been inspired to become imitators of christ. Pdf the imitation of christ book by thomas a kempis free. Book 1, chapters 110 of the imitation of christ by thomas. Thomas a kempis books list of books by author thomas a kempis. The christians pattern or, a treatise of the imitation of jesus christ. Free download or read online the imitation of christ pdf epub book. The depth of his masterpiece mirrors the life of a man who did whatever was necessary to imitate his own savior.
Both protestants and catholics as well as mystics and historians of religious thought have studied these meditations on the life and teachings of jesus, finding in them a path to prayer and spiritual guidance. The imitation of christ was written by catholic monk thomas kempis circa 801471, as four separate books completed between 1420 and 1427, at mount saint agnes monastery, in the town of windesheim, located in what is now the netherlands. For more than five centuries it has been the most popular spiritual book second only to the sacred scriptures. Thomas a kempis books read free online bible study tools. The book was published in multiple languages including english, consists of 288 pages and is available in paperback format. He lived at and was a member of the windesheim congregation at agneitenberg monastery in the netherlands for more than seventy years. The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis free at loyal books. Thomas a kempiss most popular book is the imitation of christ.
The school he attended at nearby deventer in holland had been started by gerard groote, founder of the brothers of the common life. First published anonymously in 1418, thomas a kempis s the imitation of christ is a classic christian devotional work that has been read through the ages by such notable figures as sir thomas more, john wesley, and pope john paul i. The imatation of christ by thomas a kem pis and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at. The life of christ is presented as the highest study possible to a mortal, as jesus teachings far excel all the teachings of the saints. Thomas wrote a number of sermons, letters, hymns, and lives of the saints.
The most famous of his works, by far, is the imitation of christ, a charming instruction on how to love god. Online shopping from a great selection at books store. Thomas a kempis thomas, a kempis, 801471 also found under. This is not for the feeble or fickle or novice catholicchristian. The imitation of christ penguin classics by thomas kempis 26may2005 paperback. In 1441 thomas completed and signed his namme to a codex still extant.
Although kempis was catholic, i think it would appeal to the serious follower of christ no matter their denomination. The book presents the idea that the study of christs life and the emulation of his example is the highest pursuit that man can achieve. The imitation of christ from catholic book publishing is a beautiful new edition of the original, deeply spiritual book by thomas a kempis. The point is worth noting, as some writers in their eagerness to discredit the claims of a kempis to the authorship of the imitation have actually fastened upon the length of this period of probation to insinuate that he was a dullard or worse.
Page through our special illuminated edition of the book here. Written by the augustinian monk thomas a kempis between 1420 and 1427, it contains clear instructions for. Sir thomas more, englands famous lord chancellor under henry viii and subject of the film a man for all seasons said it was one of the three books everybody ought to own. His work the imitation of christ is one of the most widely read christian spiritual books ever written. Thomas a kempis 79801471 was a member of the brethren, priest, augustinian monk, author of a dozen books, and copyist extraordinaire. Free kindle book and epub digitized and proofread by project gutenberg. The main characters of this classics, non fiction story are. Thomas a kempis biography thomas a kempis biography and list of works thomas a kempis books. Discover librarianselected research resources on thomas a kempis from the questia online library, including fulltext online books, academic journals. The imitation of christ is a passionate celebration of gods love, mercy and holiness, which has stimulated religious devotion for. He is best known for his treasured devotional classic, the imitation of christ. Thomas a kempis has 188 books on goodreads with 44399 ratings.
Books by thomas, a kempis sorted by popularity project gutenberg. At the age of thirteen years, he left his family to join his older brother, john, who had ten or twelve years earlier traveled to. Only the bible has been more influential as a source of christian devotional reading than the imitation of christ. Thomas a kempis books biography and list of works author of. Thomas a kempis thomas, a kempis, 801471 the online. Although he wrote this devotional in the early 1400s, i have found this translation very easy to read. Thomas a kempis was not a haphazard follower of jesus. From both pursuits evolved the imitation of christ. To which are added meditations and prayers for sick persons, by george stanhope.
The imitation of christ has appeared in more editions and in more languages than any other book except the bible. The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis table of contents. Thomas was himself, to within a few months of his death, the chronicler of agnetenberg. This thomas, born about the year 80, was educated by the brethren of the common life, was moved to join their community, and was ordained priest. He also possessed an earnest love for the poor and holy scripture. Thomas a kempis christian history christianity today. Thomas akempis 801471 was a dutch priest, monk, and writer born in kempen, germany. This meditation on the spiritual life has inspired readers from thomas more and st. Thomas a kempis quotes author of the imitation of christ. For five hundred years, this gentle book, filled with the spirit of the love of god, has brought understanding and comfort to millions of readers and provided them with a source of. Includes some of the greatest christian classics and theology writings. Seven years after joining the monastery of mount st. Enjoy the best thomas a kempis quotes at brainyquote. Works the imitation of christ this pastiche of biblical and catholic passages remains the most influential of christian devotional writings.
The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis translated by rev. His parents, john and gertrude haemerken, were of the artisan class. After the bible, the imitation of christ by thomas kempis is the favorite book of catholics throughout the world and has been the spiritual guide of the saints since it first appeared in 1418. The book was first issued anonymously 1418 and was soon accorded a wide welcome, copied by different scribes, and attributed to various spiritual writers, among others st. His books include the wellknown imitation of christ, life of geert groote, and life of liduina of schiedam, the latter of which he epitomized. The imitation of christ, image books, 1955 thomas a kempis was born in kempen, prussia in 79 into a family of artisans and metal workers. In this revised, easytoread, prayer book size book, readers will experience the peace and wisdom that has comforted catholics from around the world. Thomas a kempis was born at kempen, germany, circa 80. Share thomas a kempis quotations about heart, desire and love. Thomas a kempis has 188 books on goodreads with 44352 ratings. Its been translated into more languages than any other book except the bible. List of books and articles about thomas a kempis online research.
Carl anderson is the supreme knight and chief executive officer of the knights of columbus, the worlds largest catholic fraternal service organization with more more about thomas kempis. Learn how to hear gods voice, turn adversity to good, overcome temptation, have perfect love, and find lasting peace. His career thereafter was devoted to practicing the counsels of spiritual perfection and to copying books for the schools. Thomas a kempis books list of books by author thomas a. Many of the chapters are only a paragraph or more long so we decided to consolidate the chapters into their individual books. Thomas of kempen, as he was known at school, was so impressed by his teachers that he decided to live his own life according to their ideals. Imitating christ and despising all vanities on earth 2. The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis, paperback. Kempis, thomas a wikipedia article about this author is available thomas, a kempis, 801471. The imitation of christ, thomas a kempis, full catholic. Ignatius, thomas merton, thomas more, and even agatha christies miss marple. The imitation of christ has come to be, after the bible, the most widely translated book in christian literature.
The imitation of christ by a kempis thomas free ebook. Agnes in 1406, he received holy orders, and thereafter busied himself with prolific writing and copying work. Everywhere i have sought peace and not found it, except in a corner with a book. It is a handbook for spiritual life arising from the devotio moderna movement, of which kempis was a member. Quotations by thomas a kempis, german clergyman, born 80. We must turn away from the things of this world, we must live sacrificially, we must be inundated with christs passionate teaching. Discover book depositorys huge selection of thomas a kempis books online. Thomas a kempis was a german medieval christian monk who was born in the late 14th century. Written by a german monk, thomas kempis discovered priceless steps to becoming more like christ daily. Project gutenberg offers 61745 free ebooks for kindle, ipad, nook, android, and iphone. The author, if you are unfamiliar with the work, was thomas a kempis. Thomas a kempis, christian theologian, the probable author of imitatio christi imitation of christ, a devotional book that, with the exception of the bible, has been considered the most influential work in christian literature. Books by thomas a kempis author of the imitation of christ.
About thomas a kempis 19 biography author of the imitation of christ, born at kempen in the diocese of cologne, in 79 or 80. Book one, book two, book three and book four for the sake of convenience. Imitating jesus christian classics bible studies by carolyn nystrom and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at. Trust not to your feelings for whatever they might be now, they will quickly be changed towards some other thing. The school he attended at nearby deventer in holland had been started by. In omnibus requiem quaesivi, et nusquam inveni nisi in angulo cum libro. This book is available for free download in a number of formats including epub, pdf, azw, mobi and more. The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis is a christian devotional book. The book contains 114 chapters separated into 4 books. Samuel johnson once remarked to bowell that it must be a good book, as the world has opened its arms to receive it. The imitation of christ, thomas a kempis audio book. Ignatius loyola to thomas merton and pope john paul i. A number of his treatises on the monastic life and little devotional essays have been translated into english including the great.