Book 3 — CHAPTER I
Reading edition
LATIN LITERATURE 427
Latin the universal language of scholars. Three great books: The "Imitation of Christ," "Utopia" and the "Spiritual Exercises" of St Ignatius. The "Imitation" the most influential of human books. Other works by à Kempis. Tributes to the "Imitation"; saints, jurists, soldiers, scholars agree in lauding it. One of the world's supremely great books. Illustrative passages. The Ode on Love. "Utopia" and Plato's "Republic" and St. Augustine's "City of God." A vivid piece of fiction. A profound social study. Translation by Bishop Burnet. The "Spiritual Exercises" a book of things, not words. Erasmus' "Colloquia" and the "Encomium Moriae"