The Confessions, 2nd ed.: A Translation for the 21st Century
Overview
Augustine undertook this greatest piece of writing with the conviction that God wanted him to make this confession. The book in fact is an extended poetic, passionate and intimate prayer. Second Edition includes an annotated bibliography by William Harmless, SJ.
New City Press is proud to offer the best modern translations available of Saint Augustine. Augustine’s writings are useful to anyone interested in patristics, church history, theology, and Western civilization.
In 1990, New City Press, in conjunction with the Augustinian Heritage Institute, began the project known as The Works of Saint Augustine, A Translation for the 21st Century. The plan is to translate and publish all 132 works of Saint Augustine, his entire corpus, into modern English. This represents the first time in which the works of Saint Augustine will all be translated into English. Many existing translations were often archaic or faulty, and the scholarship was outdated. The Works of Saint Augustine, A Translation for the 21st Century will be translated into 49 published books. To date, 43 books have been published by NCP containing 93 of his works. The complete Works of Saint Augustine will total 132 works in 49 volumes.
Key Features
- Provides a modern translation of a classic work
- Includes extensive notes from editors and translators
- Contains insight into the history, conversion, and spiritual life of St. Augustine
Top Highlights
“I realized that above my changeable mind soared the real, unchangeable truth, which is eternal.89” (Page 177)
“I snatched it up, opened it and read in silence the passage on which my eyes first lighted: Not in dissipation and drunkenness, nor in debauchery and lewdness, nor in arguing and jealousy; but put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh or the gratification of your desires.114 I had no wish to read further, nor was there need. No sooner had I reached the end of the verse than the light of certainty flooded my heart and all dark shades of doubt fled away.” (Page 207)
“It still seemed to me that it is not we who sin, but some other nature within us that is responsible. My pride was gratified at being exculpated by this theory: when I had done something wrong it was pleasant to avoid having to confess that I had done it, a confession that would have given you a chance to heal this soul of mine that had sinned against you.53 On the contrary, I liked to excuse myself and lay the blame on some other force that was with me but was not myself. But in truth it was all myself. My impious ideas had set up a division, pitting me against myself,54 and my sin was the more incurable for my conviction that I was not a sinner.” (Pages 126–127)
“You stretched out your hand from on high and pulled my soul45 out of these murky depths because my mother, who was faithful to you, was weeping for me more bitterly than ever mothers wept for the bodily death of their children. In her faith and in the spiritual discernment she possessed by your gift she regarded me as dead; and you heard her, O Lord, you heard her and did not scorn those tears of hers which gushed forth and watered the ground beneath her eyes wherever she prayed.” (Page 89)
Praise for the Print Edition
Maria Boulding’s version of The Confessions is of a different level of excellence from practically anything else on the market. She has perfected an elegant and flowing style.
—Archbishop of Canterbury
Augustine was surely larger than life and this translation matches him.
—Richard Rohr, O.F.M.
Product Details
- Title: The Confessions, 2nd ed.: The Works of Saint Augustine, A Translation for the 21st Century
- Author: Augustine of Hippo
- Series: The Works of Saint Augustine
- Publisher: New City Press
- Pages: 432
About Augustine of Hippo
Augustine of Hippo (354-430) is one of the greatest thinkers and writers of the Western world. After he converted to Christianity he became bishop of Hippo in North Africa, where he was influential in civil and church affairs. His writings have had a lasting impact on Western philosophy and culture.
Sample Pages from the Print Edition
Reviews
3 ratings
jnj1998
2/13/2024
Glenn Crouch
6/14/2023
I enjoyed revisiting Augustine’s Confessions - this being the third time I have read them - though taking the opportunity for this to be my first taste of the “Translation for the 21st Century” collection of his work. I quite enjoyed this more recent translation, and found it to be quite readable. I also applaud the editor/publisher for including a Bibliographic guide that gives many good references for the reader who wants more information. If the other volumes in this new translation are as easy to follow and as well referenced, then I am very pleased with my investment and do recommend it for those who would like a taste of Augustine. Oh, and I still think the Confessions are a good place to start :)
Charles Stock
5/13/2021
