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"The first edition of this book was published almost a half a century
ago. The intervening years have provided access to newly discovered and
translated writings by and about Augustine and his contemporaries, and
also to the evolving body of Augustinian scholarship. During that time,
the author's original thesis has gained in acceptance. I confess that I
knew very little about one of the most famous and influential writers of
early Christianity. My knowledge of the times and locations in which he
lived was just as limited. Therefore, it was a great privilege to have
this slim volume as an introduction to both. O'Meara has made the study
of Augustine his life's work, and that is evident in every page. He presents
his material as if he were teaching a class on the subject, and
the reader is his one and only pupil. The book covers the life of Augustine,
up to the time of his conversion to Christianity. It deals mainly
with the writings of Augustine in his Confessions. The author steps in
at just the right places with explanations, drawing one on to want to
learn more.... The reasonable price and length of the book recommend it
for those libraries that have the space, and especially those that serve
congregations with active Bible study programs and student populations."
--Julie Goltermann in Lutheran
Libraries, Summer 2002
"The Young Augustine (first published in 1954) 'is now accepted as a
standard work.' Professor O'Meara carefully follows the course of
Augustine's life and his intellectual and spiritual development up to
his conversion, making critical use of the Confessions and other
sources. This edition has a brief note introducing the edition, an
updated bibliography, a new index and a fresh new translation of parts of
the Confessions." --Theology Digest, Spring 2002
"Revised look at Augustine: John J. O'Meara takes his much heralded book,
"The Young Augustine" and revises and updates it for more modern readers and times. The
book takes a look at the personality and development of one of the most famous converts of the
ages. Also includes an Index and select bibliography for more reading."
--Crux of the News, December 3, 2001
"The book can be recommended to anyone who wishes to have a clearer understanding of one of
the greatest figures in Christian history. a sober and coherent story which carefully avoids
guesswork.. his verdict is always sensible and convincing."--Times Literary
Sypplement
"Charmingly written against a background of wide and deep scholarship." --New
York Times
"A critical work based on the Confessions... supplying a needed addition to English works
on the subject" --America
"One of the three or four best books on patristic culture" --Norman F.
Cantor
"The conclusions are significant.... The method O'Meara employs is a model of careful philological-
historical analysis" --Robert M. Grant
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