Here is information on two new book releases of the ... - Ignatius Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Chr<strong>is</strong>tine Valentine-OwsikValentine CommunicationsFor: Ignatius Press215-230-8095valencom@aol.comNew illustrated Imitation of Chr<strong>is</strong>t blends beauty and bluntnessto personify greatest writing of Thomas à Kemp<strong>is</strong>SAN FRANCISCO, February 2, 2004 – Thomas à Kemp<strong>is</strong>’ The Imitation ofChr<strong>is</strong>t has enjoyed greater popularity throughout the centuries than any other Chr<strong>is</strong>tianbook – except for the Bible. And th<strong>is</strong> first-of-its-kind illustrated anthology of TheImitation of Chr<strong>is</strong>t spotlights 40 memorable passages from the original work, with theexqu<strong>is</strong>ite enhancement of color illuminated manuscripts from the Brit<strong>is</strong>h Library.The book <strong>is</strong> based on the Engl<strong>is</strong>h translation of à Kemp<strong>is</strong>’ work by RichardChalloner (1691-1781) – th<strong>is</strong> translation being among works done by Challonerfollowing h<strong>is</strong> conversion to Catholic<strong>is</strong>m from Protestant<strong>is</strong>m. A staunch defender ofCatholic<strong>is</strong>m in England, Challoner was later ordained a priest, and ultimately wasappointed b<strong>is</strong>hop of Debra.At the very beginning of The Imitation of Chr<strong>is</strong>t, à Kemp<strong>is</strong> reminds readers that tobecome a follower of Chr<strong>is</strong>t, one must imitate H<strong>is</strong> life, and to accompl<strong>is</strong>h th<strong>is</strong>, one mustlikew<strong>is</strong>e “meditate on H<strong>is</strong> life as it <strong>is</strong> described in the Gospels.” Thomas à Kemp<strong>is</strong> wasacutely aware of the human condition with all its frailties and fragmentations, and wroteThe Imitation of Chr<strong>is</strong>t to guide the faithful reader through a purification process with adouble benefit: to steer the soul’s focus to the reality of eternal life, and strengthen thelife of charity toward one’s neighbor.Even today, the soul-searching words written by th<strong>is</strong> 15 th -century German monkcontinue to resonate, unbounded by time or place, making the Imitation of Chr<strong>is</strong>t themost widely read Chr<strong>is</strong>tian book of all time, with the exception of the Bible. Drawing onScripture, the early church Fathers, and medieval mystic<strong>is</strong>m, à Kemp<strong>is</strong>’ four-part treat<strong>is</strong>eshrugs off the allure of the material world and <strong>is</strong> clearly considered h<strong>is</strong> greatestmasterpiece.Th<strong>is</strong> new illustrated version includes some of the Brit<strong>is</strong>h Library’s finestilluminated manuscripts, like the Isabella Breviary and the Hastings, Bedford and SforzaHours – resulting in a magnificent book which will impassion and inspire all who enjoytimeless Chr<strong>is</strong>tian writing. The book’s artwork truly embodies the medieval style of the