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The work outlines Augustine’s sinful youth and his conversion to Christianity.It is widely seen as the first Western autobiography ever written, and was an influential model for Christian writers throughout the following 1000 years of the Middle Ages.It is not a complete autobiography, as it was written in his early 40s, and he lived long afterwards, producing another important work (City of God); it does, nonetheless, provide an unbroken record of his development of thought and is the most complete record of any single individual from the 4th and 5th centuries.It is a significant theological work.In the work, St.Augustine writes about how much he regrets having led a sinful and immoral life.He discusses his regrets for following the Manichaean religion and believing in astrology.He writes about Nebridius’s role in helping to persuade him that astrology was not only incorrect but evil, and St.Ambrose’s role in his conversion to Christianity.He shows intense sorrow for his sexual sins, and writes on the importance of sexual morality.He also mentions that his favorite subject in school was mathematics because it was concrete and more rigorously defined than other subjects.The book is thought to be divisible into chapters which symbolize various aspects of the Trinity and trinitarian belief.
Extensive, in-depth reference material on Manichaeism and Gnosticism follows the text. ... Read more

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Augustine was one of the most prolific Latin authors, and the list of his works consists of more than a hundred separate titles. His exegetical study on the Book of Psalms is a classic work filled with useful insight. ... Read more

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ILLUSTRATED BIOGRAPHY OF ST. AUGUSTINENIHIL OBSTAT ... Read more

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Confessions of Augustine written by legendary philosopher and theologian Saint Augustine is an autobiographical work which is widely considered to be one of the greatest books of all time. This great classic will surely attract a whole new generation of readers. For many, Confessions of Augustine is required reading for various courses and curriculums. And for others who simply enjoy reading timeless pieces of classic literature, this gem by Saint Augustineis highly recommended. Published by Classic Books America and beautifully produced, Confessions of Augustine would make an ideal gift and it should be a part of everyone's personal library. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

How about a review of this EDITION, not the work?
Can anyone please tell me if this edition is worth a darn?Obviously, this book is a classic; reviews of the work seem redundant in 2009.What I really, really want to know is this: is this a good edition to work with for a student?Are there notes, study guides, or commentaries?Chapters headings, index, tables for reference??Which edition of this book is the best?

Great literature, Difficult to read
This is a wonderful piece of classic christian literature. I would certainly recommend it to anyone wanting to dig a little deaper. But be warned, it is difficult to read. That's the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars. I struggled through it, enjoying his words, but wrestling with the language.

Tolle Lege!
I recently reread "The Confessions of St. Augustine" after many years and am glad that I did. This book, which is often called the first autobiography, is really not an autobiography in the sense that we use the term. It is Augustine's Confession to God, from which we glean many details about Augustine's life.

In this we learn of Augustine's family, his early life, his search for truth and, throughout the book, his teachings on theology. Here we see him move to the gradually larger world, from Tagaste, to Carthage, to Rome, to Milan, where he finally finds Truth. He is then ready to return to his native Africa, his preparation completed for the work which would make him one of the greatest, Christian theologians of all time.

In much of the early book, Augustine tells us of his rejections of God's call. Seeking truth and honors, he searched through many sources and sought out many teachers. He sought wisdom from pagan and Manichean philosophers. His disappointment with the highly touted Manichean bishop, Faustus, whose speech was pleasing but whose answers failed to soothe Augustine's soul, caused him to turn to Catholicism.

Learning from the respected bishop, Ambrose, Augustine came to recognize the truth of Christianity, but his slavery to a non-Christian life style long prevented him from following the call of God. This persisted until one day he heard the child's song "Tolle Lege, Tolle, Lege" (the title of my high school newspaper), "Take it and read." Taking this as a divine command to read the first passage of scripture to meet his eyes, he opened the book to the passage, "Not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying: but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh in concupiscence." Needing to read no further, his conversion occurred and he was ready for the great work which lay before him.

Throughout much of the book, we are treated to Augustine's teachings on a variety of religious topics. We obtain his guidance on the nature of God, God's relationship with and expectations of man, as well as norms for the interpretation of scripture. This is the book for anyone with an interest in Christian theology or St. Augustine personally. Tolle Lege!

Complex Ideas, Difficult to Read
Despite a superb translation, "Confessions" was not the autobiographical classic that I had hoped.Broadly, the first half details Augustine's pre-conversion life and paints an interesting portrait of life in ancient Italy.The relationships and stuggles that he details are as relevant today as there were in centuries past.The second half, however, is profoundly theological and lacks the personal touch I had hoped for.Similar to Emerson's essays, Augustine writes chapters on various aspects of bibical literalness andcatholic doctrine.I found these musings to be difficult to follow and disconnected.A profound work, but one that the reader needs to be prepared for.

A Spiritual Journey
I bought this book over a year ago and I was not quite sure why I bought it.About a month ago, I began going through a troubled period in my life.The writings of St. Augustine helped me live through this period.

While the book is most known for its philisophical proof of the existance of God, the book's value runs even greater.Augustine also discusses the meaning of our own existance.Each of us is molded by the opportunity to grow by each experience of our life.Ultimately, we must see the error of our ways to find true happiness in life through God.In this way, God molds us into better people.While the existance of God is not something we can easily explain, Augustine offers insite into this dilema.God created us in his own image, but this does not mean he looks like a human being.He created us as loving creatures like himself.In addition, Augustine address many other issues relating to God in his biography.

This book may be difficult reading to the casual reader.I would suggest potential readers only read this book if he/she plans to study it with the dedication it deserves. ... Read more

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This Halcyon Classics ebook contains Augustine of Hippo's 'Confessions.'One of the early church fathers, Augustine's 'Confessions' charts his journey from his sinful youth and Manichaeism to Christianity.Includes an active table of contents for easy navigation. ... Read more

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Written at the end of the fourth century, Augustine's rule for clergy in community spread like fire among stubble in the sweeping movement for reform of clerical life in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Among those who lived by it were Premonstratensians (Norbertines), Canons Regular of Saint Augustine and Augustinian Hermits-Martin Luther's order-, several military orders, the Ursulines, Visitation Sisters, and the Dominican friars. Shorter and less detailed than the Rule of Benedict, the Rule of Augustine guides communities formed for the active ministry. Both masculine and feminine versions are translated here. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent Insight
This is a delightful little book.The insight of the introduction is wonderful, and the translation is faithful.The Rule itself is inspiring, and it becomes clear to the reader why Augustine has had such a lasting impact on Western monastic spirituality and, on a much broader level, Western Theology.This is a must have for any theological library. ... Read more

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Written about the year 405, this treatise is unique in that it embodies both a manual for the catechist and a catechesis for the prospective catechumen. ... Read more