Augustine De doctrina Christiana

the long version

The De Doctrina Christiana ('On Christian Teaching') is one of Augustine's most important works on the classical tradition. Undertaken at the same time as the Confessions, it sheds light on the development of Augustine's thought, especially in the areas of ethics, hermeneutics, and sign-theory. What is most interesting, however, is its careful attempt to indicate precisely what elements of a classical education are valuable for a Christian, and how the precepts of Ciceronian rhetoric may be used to communicate Christian truth. This long needed, completely new and up-to-date translation will be invaluable for all scholars of Augustine and the early church, as well as those studying the classical tradition, the history of literary criticism, or the development of biblical interpretation. It gives a close but stylish representation of Augustine's thought and expression. A succinct introduction and select bibliography embodies the results of recent work.