Imitatio Christi.

Hardcover. Fine. Tractat[us] de meditatio[n]e cordis Joh[ann]is Gerson. Illustrated with 4 xylographic foliated initials, the first colored. 8vo. Bound in 19th century vellum. Impressum Venetijs arte [et] impensis Bernardini de benalijs, 1488. Early Edition. Hain, 9095; Goff, I-17; Bodleian Lib. 15th cent., T-105; BM 15th cent., V, p. 372 (IA.22318). The Imitatio Christi, or Imitation of Christ is often considered the greatest of all Christian manuals of devotion. In the late 15th century there was some dispute as to the authorship of this work. The present edition mistakenly ascribes it to Johannis Gerson, a French scholar, educator, reformer, poet and chancellor of the University of Paris. It has, however, been proven that this work really was written by the German monk Thomas à Kempis. Attributed variously but now definitely ascribed to Thomas à Kempis. (Goff). The first edition of Kempis work, published in 1473, did not include the Imitatio Christi, as it was believed then that Kempis was not the author. The Imitation of Christ also had an important influence on Protestantism, as it was one of John Wesley's favorite books. Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, also brought his teachings to Georgia in the early part of the 18th century; so Kempis work has important ramifications for the development of American Protestantism. A sound copy with good margins. The contents collate complete. There is a very tiny hole in the upper right corner of the title page that has been expertly repaired. A few marginal notations in a miniscule early hand. Collectors small bookplate on the verso of the front endpaper. A very nice and attractive copy.