Confessions
Product ID: 59160916
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One of the great works of Western literature, from perhaps the most important thinker of Christian antiquity, in a revolutionary new translation by one of today’s leading classicists Sarah Ruden’s fresh, dynamic translation of Confessions brings us closer to Augustine’s intent than any previous version. It puts a glaring spotlight on the life of one individual to show how all lives have meaning that is universal and eternal. In this intensely personal narrative, Augustine tells the story of his sinful youth and his conversion to Christianity. He describes his ascent from a humble farm in North Africa to a prestigious post in the Roman Imperial capital of Milan, his struggle against his own overpowering sexuality, his renunciation of secular ambition and marriage, and the recovery of the faith his mother had taught him during his earliest years. Augustine’s concerns are often strikingly contemporary, and the confessional mode he invented can be seen everywhere in writing today. Grounded in her command of Latin as it was written and spoken in the ancient world, Sarah Ruden’s translation is a bold departure from its predecessors—and the most historically accurate translation ever. Stylistically beautiful, with no concessions made to suit later theology and ritual, Ruden’s rendition will give readers a startling and illuminating new perspective on one of the central texts of Christianity. Praise for Confessions “[Ruden] has clearly thought deeply about what Augustine was trying to say.” — The Wall Street Journal “A translation of [Augustine’s] masterwork that does justice both to him and to his God . . . Repeated small acts of attention to the humble, human roots of Augustine’s imagery of his relations to God enable Ruden to convey a living sense of the Being before Whom we find him transfixed in prayer: ‘Silent, long-suffering and with so much mercy in your heart.’” — The New York Review of Books “Delightfully readable . . . In this lively translation filled with vivid, personal prose, Ruden introduces readers to a saint whom many will realize they only thought they knew. . . . Approaching her subject with deep religious and historical knowledge, [Ruden] chooses to translate Augustine as a performative, engaging storyteller rather than a systematic theologian.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Ruden’s translation makes Augustine’s ancient text accessible to a new generation of readers with a real taste of the original Latin.” — Library Journal “[Ruden’s] record as a translator of ancient texts . . . clearly establishes her considerable talent.” — Christianity Today Review: Wonderful translation - I keep a stack of these in my office to give to those of a mind to read it. Stop by my office and ask for one. I just might give it to you. One of the best books ever written. A spiritual giant demonstrates a fundamental truth: sin is love or the wrong thing and we shall know no rest until we find our rest in God. Review: Incredibly accessible and enjoyable - Having never read Confessions in its entirety, probably because it always felt like a chore, I was excited by the prospect of a translation that would allow me access to an important text. I'm at the halfway point and find myself routinely amazed by how relevant Augustine's observations are to my own journey and to the world at large. I have decided to just read the book for pleasure the first time and use the second time through to take notes. Ruden's work is exceptional. The notes are helpful but not distracting, the prose enjoyable, and the importance of the work immediately obvious. Well done! I look forward to her next project.
| Best Sellers Rank | #59,705 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #75 in Religious Philosophy (Books) #131 in History of Christianity (Books) #185 in Christian Church History (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars 369 Reviews |
N**S
Wonderful translation
I keep a stack of these in my office to give to those of a mind to read it. Stop by my office and ask for one. I just might give it to you. One of the best books ever written. A spiritual giant demonstrates a fundamental truth: sin is love or the wrong thing and we shall know no rest until we find our rest in God.
K**N
Incredibly accessible and enjoyable
Having never read Confessions in its entirety, probably because it always felt like a chore, I was excited by the prospect of a translation that would allow me access to an important text. I'm at the halfway point and find myself routinely amazed by how relevant Augustine's observations are to my own journey and to the world at large. I have decided to just read the book for pleasure the first time and use the second time through to take notes. Ruden's work is exceptional. The notes are helpful but not distracting, the prose enjoyable, and the importance of the work immediately obvious. Well done! I look forward to her next project.
A**N
Made Augustine Come Alive
I had read Augustine's Confessions twice before, once as a freshman in college and the other in my mid-twenties. I skimmed it the first time, I enjoyed it the second, but it wasn't until I picked up Sarah Ruden's translation that I truly loved it. Her translation is colloquial, opting for contractions and conversational language over thee's, thou's, and so on. It brings Augustine down to earth without sacrificing his rather lofty thinking. In a sense, it makes the long-dead Augustine come alive for a new generation of readers. I believe her work will be the translation of choice by new readers in the Augustine renaissance, and I find it likely that this will become translation assigned by professors trying to get disinterested college students to pick up a classic. If you've never read Augustine, start here -- with this translation. You will not regret it.
M**M
An excellent translation though
I'd give it five stars for the first third and two stars for the remainder. He's good when he's bad and he's bad when he's good, and he's mostly good which makes for tough reading. The Manichaean section is very interesting. This is the guy who argued how many angels could fit on the head of a pin, so he can really argue. The latter books reminded me of Peter Cook's character in the original Bedazzled, minus the irony. The saint covers much of the same ground many times in a myriad of different ways. Too bad God didn't talk back to him. I think He would have chided him for being so obsequious.
M**L
Outstanding!
If you're seeking a modern rendition of this classic text, this is the book for you. Elegantly written, easily accessible. No antiquated English here.
J**S
Outstanding
This was a wonderful translation of, frankly a great and hugely important book. I especially appreciated the translators discussions of her word choices and the notes throughout the text were very helpful. I read the kindle version and the notes were very user friendly. I had previously read the Rex Warner translation and I found this one to be as good or better. This is an outstanding book and well worth the time to read and reread. I did like her dedication to her husband where she somewhat apologized for her last dedication to him of the Golden Ass.
B**N
Overwhelmed
So I got this for a book club, and was immediately overwhelmed. The language is very hard and I couldn’t get interested. I gave my copy to someone else in the book club.
D**Y
great
great
M**R
The best translation of the Confessions
This is quite simply the best translation of this famous work. It breaks with the whole public school tradition of translating Latin, as well as the over-pious Christian tradition which emphasises the orthodoxy of Augustine’s faith. Here Sarah Ruden cuts through the accumulated cackle to find a passionate, searching, intelligence creating its own theology as it tells its story of conversion. The reader may not like Augustine after finishing his vivid story - his self-absorption is off-putting- but she will know him as a real person with a great gift of expression.
P**L
This will be the new standard
Everyone knows that Augustine's "Confessions" is one of the foundational books of Western Civilization so I won't waste any time telling you why you should read it. What I do want to recommend is the translation here by Sarah Ruden. It makes the text so much more accessible and inviting; it's like reading a fresh new book. Buy it.
M**L
Confessions,Augustine. Translated by Sarah Ruden.
This edition of 'Confessions' is very readable indeed! The author (Sarah Ruden) takes some liberties in the translation of the original text, this is good and bad depending on the specific situation. I bought the Paperback but i highly recommend buying the hardcover variant due to the fragility of the cover on this one.
A**R
a collector's item
i haven't read the book and know it will take a while but for its sheer presentation and foreword, this is a collector's item. best read aloud
R**Y
Five Stars
fresh and compelling new translation
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