The Confessions of Saint Augustine: A Modern Translation with Introduction (Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Modern Translations)

The Confessions of Saint Augustine: A Modern Translation The classic spiritual autobiography—newly rendered in clear, contemporary English. In The Confessions , Augustine of Hippo recounts his restless search for truth—from youthful ambition and distraction to a life transformed by grace—and then turns to profound meditation on memory, time, Scripture, and creation. This edition offers a faithful, readable translation with a crisp orientation to Augustine’s world and thought.

What’s inside? Book I — Childhood, infancy, and the God who already knows us. Book II — Adolescence and the theft of the pears: sin as disordered love. Book III — Studies at Carthage, Manichaeism, and the first glimpse of beauty “so ancient and so new.” Book IV — Ambition, rhetoric, astrology, and the searing grief of a friend’s death. Book V — To Rome and Milan; meeting Bishop Ambrose and unlearning error. Book VI — Restlessness deepens; Monica’s prayers; a heart divided. Book VII — Neoplatonism and the problem of evil: God as immutable Good. Book VIII — Crisis and surrender: the garden at Milan and conversion. Book IX — Baptism with Alypius and Monica; Monica’s death and Augustine’s praise. Book X — Present confessions: memory, desire, temptation, and the love of God. Book XI — Time and creation: “What, then, is time?” and “In the beginning…” Book XII — Reading Genesis faithfully: heaven and earth, letter and spirit. Book XIII — The six days and the Sabbath as the soul’s re-creation and rest in God.

Why this edition? Modern & Faithful — Smooth, accurate English that preserves Augustine’s intimacy, irony, and biblical cadence.
Guided Reading — A concise introduction situates the work historically and explains its two movements: narrative and contemplation.
Concise Commentary — Light notes clarify names, sources, and key themes (restless heart, grace, memory, time) without interrupting the flow.
Reader-First Design — Clean headings, generous spacing, and consistent formatting for devotion, classroom, or study.

Who is it for? Seekers and skeptics, students and scholars, pastors and spiritual directors—anyone drawn to a searching, honest encounter with God, the self, and the mystery of time and grace.

“Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” Read The Confessions as a living prayer: an unsparing self-portrait that becomes praise—leading from confession of sin to confession of faith, and from memory of the past to hope in the eternal present of God.