ST. AUGUSTINE

Much has been written about the famous bishop of Hippo who is probably best known by most Christians for his celebrated Confessions. However, most of the worthwhile works have been on a scholarly level. This book comes as a happy relief in that it represents a readable effort to describe this unique man of history. As the author sketches in a skeletal background the book lags somewhat. But once he gets into the life of Augustine, the narrative livens considerably. The picture of St. Augustine seen here helps to show why his Confessions rank the way they do today. Excerpts from The Confessions tie the book together. Philosophers and theologians may not find the book to their taste, but the Catholic who merely wants to know more about this great saint as a human being will be pleased and satisfied with this popular biography.