Consolation for My Soul

by Thomas à Kempis

Next to the Bible, The Imitation of Christ is the best-selling book of all time. What most people don’t know is that the book's author, Thomas Á Kempis, wrote other brilliant works, including Consolation for My Soul, which until now has been unavailable to modern day readers. In this new translation, William Griffin has captured the charm and deep spirituality of this monk, who shares abundant wisdom about God and the soul's mystical relationship to the divine.

Genres: Spirituality, Classics

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2003

About the author

Thomas Hammerken (or Hammerlein -- both mean "little hammer") / Thomas de Kempis / Thomas Hamerken von Kempen was born at Kempen (hence the "A Kempis") in the duchy of Cleves in Germany around 1380. He was educated by a religious order called the Brethren of the Common Life, and in due course joined the order, was ordained a priest, became sub-prior of his house (in the low Countries), and died 25 July 1471 (his feast is observed a day early to avoid conflict with that of James bar-Zebedee the Apostle).

Thomas is known almost entirely for composing or compiling a manual of spiritual advice known as The Imitation of Christ, in which he urges the reader to seek to follow the example of Jesus Christ and to be conformed in all things to His will.

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started September 4, 2006; finished yesterday, 30 May 2008

Reading this book has been a most enjoyable journey; I'll miss it. I've always loved Imitation of Christ and until I encountered this book, I thought I knew Thomas à Kempis. Consolations is a more intimate glimpse into the soul of this great mystic and lover of Christ and as such, only left me wanting to know them both more. MOST highly recommended!


><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

Have been reading this book during Adoration for quite some time now. I really, really like it! The translation is modern, blunt and powerful. I like that William Griffin's translation packs a punch. His word choice is familiar and 'earthy'--for lack of a better description. It reads like you would talk to someone you feel very, very safe with--sometimes quiet, sad and clinging; other times ranting, confused and angry. While "Imitation of Christ" is very pious and full of good counsel; "Consolations for My Soul" is less formal and more what its title suggests, consoling. Although I'm only 3/4 finished with it, I already rank it up there with/right behind "Imitation".

[Jt]

a good read to chew on