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.
Books
Meditations on Death
Preparing for Eternity
2023
Wellsprings of Faith
The Imitation of Christ / The Dark Night of the Soul / The Interior Castle
2005
The Imitation of Christ
1418
The Imitation of Christ
2011
A Golden Book of the Three Tabernacles
Poverty, Humility and Patience by Thomas A Kempis
2009
Christian Devotionals - The Imitation of Christ, Confessions, Jesus The Christ, The Book of Ruth and How To Become Like Christ
2014
On the Passion of Christ According to the Four Evangelists
Prayers and Meditations
2004
Solitude and Silence
The Cloister of the Heart
2023
Bountiful Goodness
A Little Garden of Roses and The Valley of Lilies
2013
The Imitation of Mary
2015
Counsels on the Spiritual Life
1994
The Inner Life
1427
Humility and the Elevation of the Mind to God
2021
