The Imitation of Christ
The Imitation of Christ was written in Latin in the early fifteenth century, almost certainly by Thomas à Kempis, a canon of the Augustinian house of Mount St Agnes near Zwolle in the Netherlands, and it has been read more widely than any Christian book except the Bible. Its four books offer counsel for the inner life, advice on the things that bring peace, a long dialogue between Christ and the disciple on consolation, and a devout approach to the sacrament. The teaching is simple and inward: distrust the world's learning and honors, accept suffering, love to be unknown, and seek Christ in humility. William Benham's translation, first published in 1874, renders the terse Latin into a plain English that has worn well. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, with the first chapter free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Imitation of Christ
The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Imitation of Christ online?
Yes. The Imitation of Christ opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Imitation of Christ free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Imitation of Christ is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Imitation of Christ in the public domain?
Yes. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis is a public-domain work, here in the translation by William Benham. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Imitation of Christ?
About 4 h 14 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Imitation of Christ?
The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis is filed under "Religion & Mythology" in the Vinteuil library.
