Publication of John Hopkins’s Verse Translation of ‘The Imitation of Christ’

On April 21, 1506, a significant event in the history of Christian literature took place with the publication of the first recorded appearance of John Hopkins’s verse translation of Thomas à Kempis’s ‘The Imitation of Christ’. This work is one of the most influential and widely read Christian devotional books in Western Christianity, second only to the Bible in terms of translated editions and impact.

Background

‘The Imitation of Christ’ was originally written in Latin in the early 15th century and is traditionally attributed to Thomas à Kempis, a German-Dutch canon regular in the late medieval period. The text is a spiritual guide focused on the interior life and the spiritual journey of the soul towards God. It emphasizes the importance of humility, obedience, and the centrality of Christ in a Christian’s life.

John Hopkins’s Contribution

John Hopkins was a Roman Catholic prelate and theologian known for his theological insights and literary contributions during a time of significant religious transformation in Europe. His verse translation aimed to make the theological insights and spiritual instruction of ‘The Imitation of Christ’ more accessible to an English-speaking audience, who were increasingly seeking spiritual texts in their native language due to rising literacy and the influence of the printing press.

Significance

Hopkins’s translation was part of the broader movement of vernacular translations that characterized the pre-Reformation period, allowing laypeople and those outside the clergy to engage with religious texts previously limited to ecclesiastical Latin. This translation helped disseminate the teachings of Thomas à Kempis more broadly and contributed to the devotional practices of the English-speaking faithful.

Impact

The publication of Hopkins’s translation marked a pivotal moment in devotional literature and had a lasting impact on Christian spirituality in England. The work influenced a wide array of Protestant and Roman Catholic readers alike, shaping personal piety and devotional practices during a time when the nature of religious observance was evolving rapidly.

This event stands as a testament to the ongoing transformation of the Christian literary tradition, demonstrating the enduring power of ‘The Imitation of Christ’ to inspire believers across different eras and contexts.