The Imitation of Christ is among the most widely read and best-loved religious books in the world. As early as 1450, more than 250 manuscript copies had been produced; by 1779, no less than 1,800 editions and translations existed; and today it is inestimable how many have been circulated. A #2 all-time spot in history (behind only the Bible, no less) for a book that is six hundred years old…