Second only to the Bible as a source of religious instruction and inspiration, this classic of Christian devotional literature, first published anonymously in 1418, has brought understanding and comfort to millions for centuries. Both Protestants and Catholics--as well asmystics and historians of religious thought--have studied these meditations by a German priest on the life and teachings of Jesus,finding in them a path to prayer and spiritual guidance.

 Written in a candid and conversational style, The Imitation of Christdiscusses liberation from worldly inclinations, recollection as apreparation for prayer, the consolations of prayer, and the place of eucharistic communion in a devout life. This edition offers a direct,concise rendering of the text, favoring modern English over thearchaic terminology that hobbles many Christian classics. It also employs the familiar paragraph form rather than the single statement or verse form of the original,providing easier reading and accentuating the connections between the single statements. With its simple, readable text, this translation will appeal to new readers as well as to those already familiar with this religious classic.