"The Imitation of Christ," by Thomas á Kempis, is a Christian devotional book first written in Latin, written in the Netherlands from 1418 to 1427 A.D., appearing anonymously as "De Imitatione Christ." The devotional text is divided into four books of detailed spiritual instructions: (1) "Helpful Counsels of the Spiritual Life," (2) "Directives for the Interior Life," (3) "On Interior Consolation," and (4) "On the Blessed Sacrament." The author's devotional approach emphasizes the interior life and withdrawal from the mundanities of the world, as opposed to the active imitation of Christ practised by other friars. The devotions of the books emphasize devotion to the Eucharist as the key element of spiritual life. "The Imitation of Christ" is a handbook for the spiritual life arising from the Devotio Moderna movement, which Thomas followed. It is perhaps the most widely read Christian devotional work after the Bible, and is regarded as a devotional and religious classic. Apart from the Bible, no book was more popular at the time.
