Confessions by St. Augustine of Hippo

Confessions

By Saint Augustine · Translated by Dr. Anthony Esolen · Published by TAN Books

Overview

Of all the autobiographies ever written by mere mortals, Confessions by Saint Augustine of Hippo is the greatest. In this masterpiece, you will find a Doctor of the Church longing for the true Doctor of the soul: Christ. Taking us from Augustine’s roots in Africa to his famed conversion in Milan, this work is a veritable pilgrimage to the threshold of the New Jerusalem. In this stunning new translation by Dr. Anthony Esolen, the text hews as closely as possible to the literal significance of Augustine’s expression, revealing a coherent prayer and a profound profession of faith. More than a biography, it is a breathtaking meditation on time, memory, and the redemptive power of God that speaks directly to the restless heart of every Christian.

• Experience a Masterpiece: Read what is widely considered the greatest autobiography in human history, now in a vivid new translation.
• A Translation of Truth: Benefit from Dr. Anthony Esolen’s literal approach, which captures the intricate literary art and figurative richness of the original Latin.
• Navigate the Restless Heart: Follow the "Doctor of Grace" as he moves from worldly concupiscence to a soul set free by the Gospel.
• Deepen Your Prayer Life: Engage with a text that Dr. Esolen describes as "one continued and coherent prayer" closer to a Gothic cathedral than a modern book.
• Find Your Own Journey: Discover your own spiritual path mirrored in Augustine’s struggles with truth, memory, and the longing for God.

From the Book

“For you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”
— Saint Augustine of Hippo

Intended Audience

This work is essential for the seeker of truth, the intellectual wanderer, and the Christian soul desiring deeper formation. It is a "must-read" for students of theology, those struggling with conversion, and any reader who wishes to understand the foundations of Western Christian thought through the eyes of a Saint.

FAQs

How does Dr. Esolen’s translation differ from others?
Dr. Esolen hews as closely as possible to the literal meaning and the specific manner of Augustine’s expression, preserving the intricate "Gothic cathedral" structure of the original prose.

Is this book difficult to read?
While deeply intellectual, Augustine’s Confessions is written as a prayer to God. Readers find it surprisingly accessible because it speaks to universal human emotions and spiritual restlessness.

Why is Saint Augustine called the "Doctor of Grace"?
His life and this book specifically detail the triumph of God’s grace over a life of sin and intellectual wandering, providing hope to every sinner.

Key Themes

• Conversion and Grace: The journey from worldly desire to the love of God.
• Time and Memory: Philosophical meditations on how we encounter the Creator.
• Restlessness: The innate human longing that can only be satisfied by Christ.