One of the great works of Western literature, Augustine's spiritual biography has lost none of its potency in the 1600 years since he committed it to parchment scrolls. In this intensely personal narrative, Augustine describes his ascent from a humble farm in North Africa to a prestigious post in the Roman Imperial capital of Milan, his struggle against sensuality, and the recovery of the faith his mother had taught him in his childhood. Offering new perspective, Sarah Ruden's fresh, dynamic translation brings us closer to Augustine's intent than previous versions.

"Approaching her subject with deep religious and historical knowledge, [Ruden] chooses to translate Augustine as a performative, engaging storyteller rather than a systematic theologian."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)