The classic account of crisis and conversion.

Aurelius Augustine (AD 354-430), one of the most important figures in the development of western Christianity and philosophy, was the son of a pagan, Patricius of Tagaste, and his Christian wife, Monnica. While studying to become a rhetorician, he plunged into a turmoil of philosophical and psychological doubts, leading him to Manichaeism. In 383 he moved to Rome and then Milan to teach rhetoric. Despite exploring classical philosophical systems, especially skepticism and Neoplatonism, his studies of Paul's letters with his friend Alypius, and the preaching of Bishop Ambrose, led in 386 to his momentous conversion from mixed beliefs to Christianity. He soon returned to Tagaste and founded a religious community, and in 395 or 396 became bishop of Hippo.

Confessions, composed ca. 397, is a spiritual autobiography of Augustine's early life, family, personal and intellectual associations, and explorations of alternative religious and theological viewpoints as he moved toward his conversion. Cast as a prayer addressed to God, though always conscious of its readers, Confessions offers a gripping personal story and a philosophical exploration destined to have broad and lasting impact, all delivered with Augustine's characteristic brilliance as a stylist.

This edition replaces the earlier Loeb Confessions by William Watts.

About the Author
Carolyn J.-B. Hammond is Dean of Gonville and Caius College at the University of Cambridge.

Reviews
Hammond's translation, while always elegant and lucid, stays close enough to the Latin to give us invaluable assistance... An accessible and scholarly introduction provides a way into many aspects of Augustine's thought which will reward both those who are new to Augustine and more experienced students. -- Edward Dowler * Church Times *



Book Information
ISBN 9780674996854
Author Augustine
Format Hardback
Page Count 480
Imprint Harvard University Press
Publisher Harvard University Press