The Complete Imitation of Christ (Paraclete Giants)

I have read nearly all the modern English translations of The Imitation of Christ, and it has been a long time since a truly new, ground-breaking version has come my way. So I wasn't expecting the delight that I received when I opened this new edition to one of my very favorite passages, Chapter 5 of Book 4 of the Imitation (incorrectly Book 3 in most other editions), "Of the Marvelous Effect of Divine Love."By editing the Imitation as Thomas à Kempis intended it, in the form of verse, rather than the more common prose, suddenly his words seemed somehow more graceful and soaring. And reading the text aloud, as its author intended, is made much easier by this approach.Episcopal monk Fr. John-Julian, OJN is not the first editor/translator to attempt the Imitation in English verse, but he's definitely the first to do it well. In 1697, Anglican Luke Milbourne came out with one of the earliest metrical versions, which he termed a "paraphrase." Like so many early English translations, it was heavily edited to suit Milbourne's theology, in his words, treading "with all the tenderness I could between Extreams of Popish Superstition, and Phanatic Indecency and Slovenliness." By stark contrast, several years before Milbourne's unpopular and inaccurate English version, the great French dramatist Pierre Corneille had retired from writing plays and produced a critically-acclaimed metrical version of the Imitation.I am a Roman Catholic, and am always leery of non-Catholic translators, but Fr. John-Julian is absolutely true to the original, and gives the reader the opportunity to experience the work in its original depth, as much as that can be accomplished in a translation.Some readers may be put off with the text in verse, or distracted by Fr. John-Julian's many footnotes and marks at the end of lines which explain which verses rhymed in the original Latin. But give this version a chance, and quickly you'll find yourself looking past these notations, and greatly enjoying this soaring work. And for those who want to dig deeper, those notations and footnotes are just part of the bag of goodies that come with this truly, as the name suggests, complete edition. A fascinating introduction, notes, a thorough bibliography, a timeline of the medieval church in Europe and a listing of notable readers of the Imitation supplement à Kempis' newly invigorated text.This is simply a must-have for the true à Kempis aficionado. It takes its place with Leo Sherley-Price's translation as one of the greats.My only beef in an otherwise great production? I would have liked a larger-sized book, with pure white paper, to allow for larger, sharper print. Even with my glasses on, some of the smaller type is a real challenge. How about a deluxe hardbound version?

The book itself, along with the translation, is wonderful. This devotional is a timeless classic that can benefit all believers. This kindle edition, however, is awful. For example, The notes of the author for chapter 7 are placed midway through the text of chapter 6. It continues throughout the ebook making it confusing and not a smooth read. I'm afraid I'm going to havre to buy a different publisher's book to enjoy this work. It's rather unfortunate since the author does a thorough presentation on notes, as well as a terrific introduction.

This is one of the best books I have ever read, and should be on the to-read list of every person who professes to be Christian. The translation is wonderful, and the comments are very helpful in understanding the era in which it was written. Applicable for today.

I love this book. I have other interpretations of The Imitation of Christ, but this is an interpretation of the Original manuscripts, which makes it very special, and my favorite. If I have had questions of any interpretations from my other books, I will consult this one.

:-))