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Rating:  - An edition that will last!
This edition of Thomas a Kempis' most famous work is really a find. I have several battered paperback editions that have fallen apart - not this one. The translation by Bishop Challoner is one of the most beautiful and edifying. If you want an Imitation, don't economize - this one that'll last you out, and will look good on the shelf at the same time.
Rating: - A Good Monkly Read
I'll begin with a word about the edition. It's awesome! Quite simply. The leather is amazing, the paper is neat, the printing is excellent, there's a ribbon to mark your page: there's everything any book-lover loves.
So what is this book? It is one of the most popular religious texts after the Bible itself. "The Imitation of Christ" was written by a monk, Thomas à Kempis, and was originally intended for monastics and ascetics, or monks and hermits, or anyone meaning to live a highly religious life entirely devoted to God.
This is not a book to convince you of anything as it is not made with arguments. That is, it is not a discussion of whether Christianity is true or not. It's the "imitation" of Christ, not the "justification" of Him. For this reason, I would recommend it to people of faith first and foremost, or at least people with an interest in God and spirituality. If your aim is to understand Christianity better and get yourself some faith, I definitely recommend the reading of other books than this one, at least to begin with.
"The Imitation of Christ" is divided into 4 books, each of which has a healthy amount of short chapters. The short size of those makes them quite appropriate for rereadings and frequent considerations over time. If you think you will be reading this book more than once, or if you think you will regularly consult it, then I absolutely recommend this edition as it is made to last.
Is there anything negative to say about this book? Well, sort of yes, as far as I am concerned, but it has more to do with theology than the book itself, so I am not sure it does count as "negative" points. And in fact, I still gave the book 5 stars. My "problem" with the book is that it does spend a considerable amount of time being nihilistic, in that branch of Christianity which considers the world worthless, and humans equally worthless. I understand the need of humility in a spiritual life, but when we go past humility into self-bashing and the almost vicious enjoying thereof, I draw the line. I think it's somewhat vain to focus that much on ourselves and our condition. I'd rather praise God than demean myself and my fellow humans, even though you could argue that it comes down to the same thing; and yes, it would, but praising God seems a lot more positive than to focus on our own worthlessness. This being said, the book is quite many centuries old, and that is why I don't think it'd be a grand idea to punish it in this review because of theological opinions. It doesn't take anything away from the book, or not much. Of course, that will depend on how you yourself view the world and Christianity.
On the whole, I think this book will be quite a nice read for people who want to feel in a religious mood.
Rating: - A good devotional for people of all faiths
This monk has a real grasp on righteousness. He reminds me of C. S. Lewis.
The only drawback of this edition is his overly fondness for the bread and wine ceremony in the last few chapters which may strike many as being over done. This is why it is common to publish versions of this work with the last few chapters omitted.
Rating: - Beauty in word and form
I have several paperbacks of The Imitation of Christ. It is one of my favorite books to meditate on. I have always wished that I could find one that was in hard-back, as well as leather bond that was excellent in quality and priced reasonably. Baronus Press has done an incredible job with this publication. It is gift quality and something to treasure and hand down to a family member. If you want something really special, I strongly suggest this beautiful book.
Rating:  - The Imitation of Christ returns.
If you have grown a little tired of all the rewriting, rewording and other attempts to make all classical volumes "cutting edge" and PC you will find a great deal of satisfaction in the beautiful translation of The Imitation of Christ as the author intended it to be read.
If you are fond of watered down bawlerized translations this is not the book for you. The traditional language is a breath of fresh air for those of us who love the stately language that takes no prisoners and tell the truth exactly as it was written. Perfect for meditation or Lectio Divina or as a spiritual road map that lays out in easy steps how to attempt union with God.
The actual volume is another great example of the high quality Baronius is producing. It is very comfortable in the hand and the gold lettering and designs work well with other Baronius publication like St. Benedict's Holy Rule. They look very nice on the shelf together which, by itself, is not a sufficient reason to buy it, but is a nice extra. The only thing they could do to pick up that fifth star is to make it a sewn, flexible leather binding.
An excellent addition to any serious spiritual library.
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