The Imitation of Christ [1924 French edition] by Thomas Kempis

Imitation de Jésus-Christ, traduite en françois (Imitation of Jesus Christ, translated into French) by Thomas A. Kempis 

Publishing: 1724, at the shop of Nicolas Gosselin, Grand-Salle with Royal Privilege

An early eighteenth-century Paris edition of Thomas A. Kempis’s Imitatio Christi, illustrated with an engraved crucifixion frontispiece and four additional copperplates.

Considered the most influential devotional text of the later Middle Ages. First composed in Latin in the early fifteenth century, the work embodies the spirituality of the Devotio Moderna, emphasizing humility, detachment, and focused on the inward life. This French translation printed under royal privilege reflects the continued popularity among readers in eighteenth century France, prior to the revolution.

Condition: Octavo (8 × 5 in.), [engraved frontispiece], [title], prelims, 587 pp., collated complete, illustrated with five copperplate engravings (including the frontispiece) placed opposite the divisional title pages at pp. [1], 124, 192, and 483, contemporary mottled calf, spine gilt in compartments with raised bands, marbled endpapers, binding worn with rubbing to boards and extremities, binding firm, one-inch dark stain affecting text on leaves 29–32, closed tear at gutter of p. 168 not affecting text, closed tear at top edge of leaf 249–250, one-inch open tear to lower edge of pp. 465–466 with minor loss, scattered foxing, occasional page corners folded, plates with strong impressions and light toning, overall a complete example with faults, in original binding. Overall Very Good