The 15th century treatise Of the Imitation of Christ is one of the most popular Christian books of all time. Although its authorship was disputed for a long time, it is generally now regarded as the product of Thomas a Kempis. The work is a manual of devotion assisting the soul in its pursuit of holiness and communion with God. Written as it was for the monastic life, it presents a high standard for spiritual life, and an ideal for devout Christians to aspire to.

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".