One of the most influential & well-loved books of Christianity The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas a Kempis appears here in " Penguin Classics" in a new translation by Robert Jeffery with an introduction by Max Von Habsburg notes a chronology & further reading. " The Imitation of Christ" is a passionate celebration of Gods love mercy & holiness which has stimulated religious devotion for over five hundred years. With great personal conviction & deep humanity Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471) demonstrates the individuals reliance on God & on the words of Christ & the futility of a life without faith as well as exploring the ideas such as humility compassion patience & tolerance. Thomas spent some seventy years of his life in the reclusive environment of monasteries yet in this astonishing work he demonstrates an encompassing understanding of human nature while his writing speaks to readers of every age & every nation. Thomas a Kempis was born at Kempen near Dusseldorf in 1380. He received the priesthood in 1413. Thomas wrote many other devotional works besides " The Imitation of Christ" his masterpiece as well as biographies of Gerald Groote & Florentius Radewyn. He died in 1471. The Very Revd Robert Jeffery was born in 1935 & ordained in 1959. He has written on matters of Church history spirituality mission & ecumenism. In 1978 he became Archdeacon of Salop & was Dean of Worcester from 1987-96 & subsequently Canon & Sub-Dean of Christ Church Oxford. He retired in 2002 & is an Hon Doctor of Divinity of Birmingham University. Max von Habsburg is the author of Catholic & Protestant Translations of the " Imitation Christ" 1425-1650 (2011)."