First edition thus. xi, 506 printed pages. Frontispiece. Mild age-toning. All edges gilt. Original marbled emdpapers. Bookseller's label on front free endpaper for J.W.Kolckmann, 'Foreign Library', 2 Langham Place. W. London. 58 x 96 mm. (page size). Contemporary half brown morocco; spine with raised bands, burgundy label with gilt block titling. A little rubbed. Not in Bondy, nor Spielmann, nor Welsh. For second edition see OCLC, 820737762 (one copy located - British Library). WorldCat locates no copies of 1st edition worldwide. Barbèra was a prestigious publisher known for high-quality editions of both classical and contemporary works. Published in 1866, this edition reflects the cultural and religious landscape of post-unification Italy, where classic spiritual texts were being brought into modern, refined language. The Imitation of Christ has continued to influence Christian spirituality for centuries.