1883 fine binding, L'Imitation de Jesus-Christ (The Imitation of Christ), Thomas a Kempis

A beautiful binding, with silk moire doublures, graces this 19th century French edition of Thomas a Kempis seminal Christian devotional, The Imitation of Christ.

About The Imitation of Christ

"The Imitation of Christ (Latin: De Imitatione Christi) by Thomas à Kempis is a 15th century Christian devotional book first composed in Latin ca. 1418–1427. It is a handbook for spiritual life. The Imitation is perhaps the most widely read Christian devotional work next to the Bible, and is regarded as a devotional and religious classic. Its popularity was immediate. Apart from the Bible, no book has been translated into more languages than the Imitation of Christ. The text is divided into four books, which provide detailed spiritual instructions: 'Helpful Counsels of the Spiritual Life', 'Directives for the Interior Life', 'On Interior Consolation and 'On the Blessed Sacrament'. The approach taken in the Imitation is characterized by its emphasis on the interior life and withdrawal from the world, as opposed to an active imitation of Christ by other friars." - Wikipedia

Physical Attributes

Measures 12 x 8 x 2 cm. Fine binding, leather, hardware monogram to center of board. Spine has five raised ribs with one compartment housing the title in gilt. Board edges have fillet applied, and turn-ins are rolled (or stamped). Silk moire doublures with a joint. All edges gilt (bright). Pages - (2) 416 (2)

Condition

See pictures. One of the cleanest 19th century books I've had the pleasure to sell. It doesn't even have dust on the top edge. On the back of the flyleaf there are a few tiny dots likely caused by whatever tooled the date into the flyleaf; that's all I can find in terms of faults.