This new, abbreviated edition of the letters of Saint Augustine by Leinenweber ( Love One Another, My Friends: St. Augustine's Homilies on the First Letter of John ) will serve as a good introduction to the thought and works of the theologian who stood at the crossroads of classical civilization and the Middle Ages. The book will be of use to seminarians and interested laypersons, as it presents for the first time the saint's correspondence in readily accessible form. From the 270 letters of Augustine still available, the editor has tried to choose material that provides a glimpse of the saint as a human being and not just a great religious thinker. Unfortunately, the extant letters deal almost solely with theology and the business of the church. Even in letters to friends, readers must glean the man from fragments and from the interstices between the lines. The editor helps by providing excellent commentaries and introductions, giving what background is known regarding each exchange. The portrait of Augustine that emerges is one of a patient and loving man beset by inquiries from interested persons, a diplomatic man but one who was not afraid of a good fight.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
For history lovers, getting at the "true" person is difficult--often, all one can do is read between the lines or follow the recollections of others for insight. How wonderful then is Leinenweber's translation of St. Augustine's personal correspondence. These letters represent the legacy of "Augustine the man": scholarly, erudite, tremendously burdened by episcopal duties yet quite meticulous in correspondence. Leinenweber supplies the humanity of these ancient letters, freeing Augustine the poet from his shackles as a repressed, dour wet blanket. "Christian truth is incomparably more beautiful than Grecian Helen," he writes to St. Jerome. Of the Confessions , he says, "Behold me in them . . . . Believe me to be the person you see there, and not as others describe me." Leinenweber lets Augustine eloquently share himself, which ultimately best serves both Augustine and the reader. For informed laypersons and scholars alike; highly recommended for classical studies and religion collections.
- Sandra Collins, SLIS, Univ. of Pittsburgh
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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