De imitatione Christi

The Imitation of Christ

Author

Thomas à Kempis

Language

Medieval Latin

Year

c. 1418-1427

Country

Burgundian Netherlands

Genre

Nonfiction / Essays / Treatise

christianitymedieval europerenaissance

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The Imitation of Christ is a Christian devotional book by Thomas à Kempis, composed in Medieval Latin as De Imitatione Christi c. 1418–1427. The devotional text is divided into four books of detailed spiritual instructions: (i) "Helpful Counsels of the Spiritual Life", (ii) "Directives for the Interior Life", (iii) "On Interior Consolation", and (iv) "On the Blessed Sacrament". The devotional approach of The Imitation of Christ emphasises the interior life and withdrawal from the mundanities of the world, as opposed to the active imitation of Christ practised by other friars. The devotions of the books emphasize devotion to the Eucharist as the key element of spiritual life.