Wrote in English · 354–430
Augustine of Hippo
One book in the original English, with a translation beside it.
Augustine of Hippo, born in Thagaste in 354 and died in Hippo Regius in 430, was a Christian theologian, philosopher, and Bishop of Hippo Regius. Recognized as one of the most influential thinkers in Western history and a principal Church Father of the Latin Church, he wrote extensively in Latin and Punic. His works, including The City of God and On the Trinity, shaped medieval theology and remain central to Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions. As the Doctor of Grace, he defined key doctrines on salvation, original sin, and divine grace, influencing figures like Thomas Aquinas and the Reformers.
His most famous work, Confessions, is the first Western autobiography, blending personal narrative with deep theological reflection. Augustine’s intellectual journey moved from Manichaeism and Neoplatonism to Christianity, a conversion that informed his prolific output. He addressed ecclesiology, just war theory, and the nature of the Church as a spiritual entity distinct from the earthly city. His writings continue to resonate for their psychological depth and rigorous philosophical argumentation, establishing him as a foundational voice in the Patristic Period.
Reading Augustine of Hippo in translation
Augustine wrote in Latin, a language of formal rhetoric and dense theological argumentation. His prose is characterized by long, complex sentences and a high register, often employing dialogue and introspective description to explore sin and grace. For a reader who already knows English, the original Latin may present challenges due to its syntactic complexity and specialized vocabulary, while the German translation offers a parallel structure. On Paralelo, you can read The Confessions of St. Augustine aligned phrase by phrase with its German translation. This book is the shortest in our catalogue, taking about 508 minutes to read, making it the ideal starting point. Use your English knowledge as an anchor to navigate the German text, allowing you to absorb Augustine’s rhythmic, persuasive style while gradually building your German comprehension through direct comparison.
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- Born
- 354Thagaste
- Died
- 430Hippo Regius
- Wrote in
- English
- On Paralelo
- 1 title
- Shortest read
- 508 minThe Confessions of St. Augustine
Where to start with Augustine of Hippo
- 01
The Confessions of St. Augustine
"The Confessions of St. Augustine" by Bishop of Hippo Saint Augustine is an autobiographical work written between AD 397 and 400.
Read a passage free →EN · PASSAGEFor this space of nine years (from my nineteenth year to my eight-and-twentieth) we lived seduced and seducing, deceived and deceiving, in divers lusts; openly, by sciences which they call liberal; secretly, with a false-named religion;…
DEIn dieser Zeit von neun Jahren (von meinem neunzehnten bis zum achtundzwanzigsten Jahr) lebten wir, verführt und verführend, getäuscht und täuschend, in verschiedenen Begierden; offen durch die Wissenschaften, die man die freien nennt; g…
Reading Augustine of Hippo in English
Which Augustine of Hippo book should I read first?
The Confessions of St. Augustine, the one Augustine of Hippo title on Paralelo: about 508 minutes of reading.
Can I read Augustine of Hippo in English with a translation beside it for free?
Yes. A passage from every title is free to read without an account, and a free account opens the whole book, with a translation aligned to the original phrase by phrase.
Are the books by Augustine of Hippo in the public domain?
Yes. Augustine of Hippo died in 430, and the texts on Paralelo come from Project Gutenberg’s public-domain editions.