Product Description

Addressed to an educated general readership, Lancel's authoritative study places St Augustine against the colourful background of the Mediterranean world of antiquity, exploring the major influences, events and competing philosophies which were formative for his thought and theology. Attention is given to the essential features of what became both Catholic and Protestant doctrines, the dotrine of grace in controversy with Pelagius and to Augustine's formidable supporter Julian of Eclanum. This translation invites English-speaking readers to share in Lancel's intimate and sympathetic knowledge of one of the greatest figures in Christian antiquity.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #812789 in Books
• Published on: 2002-04-01
• Original language: French
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 700 pages

Review
'Masterly.' Sir Henry Chadwick

About the Author
Serge Lancel is Professor of Ancient History at the University of Grenoble. His other books include Carthage: A Cultural History and Hannibal.

Customer Reviews

An excellent single volume exploration of the man behind the
Augustine is a controversial figure, is he the Politiciser of the New Testament faith, or respected saint and founder of Western Christianity? Lancel's biography certainly presents Augustine as a polemicist, but also helps paint a picture of the man himself by drawing heavily on historical knowledge of the Mediterranean theological and cultural sphere in which he operated. This Augustine is neither the manipulating politician of Rees' "Pelagius" or the gleaming saint of Catholic, or even Calvinist tradition. Instead Augustine is a real man, one who makes mistakes and is presented with doubts and regrets, although the biography is in general sympathetic. The chapter on Pelagius does seem to make more excuses for Augustine rather than Pelagius, but one is left feeling that Augustine did the best he could for a poor misguided soul. This is in stark contrast to other authors who suspect that Augustine quite simply 'stitched him up'. The text is certainly aimed at an educated audience (and at £25 an educated pocket) but the translation is clear and readable. The aversion to full stops found in some academic theology from certain British universities is also absent. Unsurprisingly the book offers an excellent bibliography and comprehensive indexes by subject and of Augustine's writings themselves. Ultimately I am not completely convinced by Lancel's Augustine, but this work is certainly and excellent single volume exploration of the man behind the saint.