Title: [Imitation of Christ] De Imitatione Christi ...
Publisher: Leonard, Frederici. Parisiis. Paris.
Publication Date: 1697
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good
479 printed pages, plus 15 page index at end. Title page illustration of Christ carrying cross engraved after Nicolas Pitau (1632-1671), a Flemish-born French engraver and printmaker. Each page with printed black border. Text divided into numbered paragraphs and books designated by roman numerals- liber I, liber II, etc. Contemporary marbled endpapers (old writing rubbed out on front free endpaper and paper worn thin and with two pin-holes). Original green silk place-marker. All edges red (mild age-toning; old thumb print on page 285 & 337). Similar text to the Anvers, 1647 edition of Philippe Chifflet (1597-1663). Edited by Frederic Leonard (1665-1712). Contemporary ink signature "Ex Libris Toupelin" at foot of title page and on verso of front free-endpaper; below which is a pencil dedication in French dated 1915. 2.2 x 3.6", or, 57 x 92mm. Original black morocco; spine with three raised bands with hand-tooled stylised flower and floreate corner-pieces in gilt. Lettering "Imita" within dog-tooth decorated mitred panel (old small hole near foot; some slight wear at the head); covers with chevron mitred panels hand-tooled in gilt (some wear to the hinges that still remain firm). The Imitation of Christ is a handbook for spiritual life arising from the Devotio Moderna movement. The text is divided into four books, which provide detailed spiritual instructions: "Helpful Counsels of the Spiritual Life", "Directives for the Interior Life", "On Interior Consolation" and "On the Blessed Sacrament". The approach taken in the Imitation is characterized by its emphasis on the interior life and withdrawal from the world, as opposed to an active imitation of Christ by other friars. The book places a high level of emphasis on the devotion to the Eucharist as key element of spiritual life. Not in Bondy,nor Spielmann nor Welsh. OCLC, 460738089. Found by WorldCat in just 5 libraries, worldwide (all in France). Seller Inventory # 5412