The Imitation of Christ is a handbook for spiritual life written by Thomas a Kempis in 1418. Regarded as a classic of the genre, its teachings arise from the Devotio Moderna (or, Modern Devotion) movement of the late 14th century founded by Geert Groote, of which Kempis was a member. Immensely popular upon its writing, it has been been re-printed thousands of times. Emphasizing the interior life and a withdrawal from the world, it stresses the devotion to the Eucharist as a key component of spiritual life. Translated by William Benham.