Saint Augustine: Between Shadow and Light
Louis Bertrand, French writer and member of the Académie française, presents here a biography of one of the most emblematic figures of early Christian antiquity: Saint Augustine. He invites us to meet the man before the saint, offering an endearing portrait of this complex, tormented personality. From his childhood in Thagaste, in Roman North Africa, to his death, passing through his conversion and consecration as Bishop of Hippo, you will discover his moral and philosophical wanderings, his passions, his strengths, and his weaknesses, but above all, his relentless quest for truth.
This narrative, blending scholarly rigor with a captivating poetic style, stands apart from conventional hagiographies. More than just a historical account, this singular work unveils the existential and spiritual dilemmas of this Church figure, at the twilight of the Roman Empire-a time marked by profound religious and political upheaval. It is a compelling exploration into the very roots of Christianity and Western thought, breathing new life into this towering figure of Christendom.
Through his extraordinary life and numerous works (The City of God, The Confessions, On the Trinity…), Saint Augustine has left an immense spiritual legacy for all believers. His influence continues to shape Western philosophy and theology.
The English translation by Vincent O’Sullivan does justice to Bertrand’s eloquent prose, capturing both the depth of thought and the poetic resonance of the original French text. O’Sullivan’s nuanced understanding of both languages allows him to convey the complexity of Saint Augustine’s inner struggles, while maintaining the vividness of Bertrand’s narrative style, making this translation as compelling as the original.
‘Saint Augustine is a man who never lived superficially; the thirst, the tormented and constant search for Truth, is one of the fundamental characteristics of his existence…’ – Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, August 25, 2010.
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