A Christian devotional book dating to the early 15th century, The Imitation of Christ was originally written anonymously but popularly attributed to Thomas à Kempis. A beloved piece of religious literature since it was first circulated, the work is divided into four books that instruct the reader to care for the soul, follow Christ, seek internal consolation, and receive the sacrament of Communion, all to attain spiritual peace. Admired by Christian theologians and mystics over the centuries, it is today considered to be the most-read Christian devotional work besides the Bible. For all who seek the spiritual life, The Imitation of Christ is an essential and foundational work, to be read again and again.