De Imitatione Christi Libri IV. Ex Recensione Philippi Chifletii

[Fine Binding] 12mo. Handsomely bound by Magnin in fine brown Moroccan, gilt. Raised bands. Gilt dentelle. All edges gilt. Marbled endpapers. Light shelf wear. [24], 439, [14] pp, engraved title. Inscription on first blank. Half title and engraved title soiled, occasional spotting. The Imitation of Christ is a handbook for spiritual life arising from the Devotio Moderna movement. 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. The book places a high level of emphasis on the devotion to the Eucharist as key element of spiritual life.