FROM THE PUBLISHER

"The surviving bulk of Augustine's writings exceeds that of any other ancient author. Through these writings he came to influence not only his contemporaries but also the subsequent development of Western culture. This Very Short Introduction traces the development of Augustine's thought, discussing his reaction to the thinkers before him, and themes such as freedom, creation, and the Trinity."--BOOK JACKET.

SYNOPSIS

Augustine was arguably the greatest early Christian philosopher. His teachings had a profound effect on Medieval scholarship, Renaissance humanism, and the religious controversies of both the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation. Here, Henry Chadwick places Augustine in his philosophical and religious context and traces the history of his influence on Western thought, both within and beyond the Christian tradition. A handy account to one of the greatest religious thinkers, this Very Short Introduction is both a useful guide for the one who seeks to know Augustine and a fine companion for the one who wishes to know him better.

FROM THE CRITICS

International Philosophical Quarterly

The book is a marvel of comprehension achieved without a loss of clarity. As a connected account of Augustine, the thinker, it will doubtless stand as among the most popular which now exist.

Worship and Arts

The ten chapters of this volume discuss Augustine's views of free choice, vocation, creation, and other societal questions, while it also reveals biographical facts of the sage's life.

History: Reviews of New Books

I do not know of any other summary of the mind of Augustine which serves the reader so well.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

The best brief introduction to Augustine's context and thought for the beginning undergraduate. Excellent for history, philosophy, and religion courses—clear, elegant, thorough. — (Robert I. Burns, University of California, Los Angeles)