Thomas a Kempis

Thomas a Kempis was born in Kempen (40 miles northwest of Cologne) in 1380 and died near Zwolle (52 miles east northeast of Amsterdam in 1471). His paternal name was Hemerken or Hammerlein, “little hammer” (name given to him as a church father who rules and instructs others under paternal rule). Thomas was sent to school at Deventer conducted by the Brethren of the Common Life. He became skillful as a copyist and was thus able to support himself. Later he was admitted to the Augustian convent...