The Confessions

The Works of Saint Augustine: A Translation for the 21st Century

By: St. Augustine

Narrated by: Various

The Confessions by Saint Augustine is considered an all-time number one Christian classic. Augustine undertook his greatest piece of writing with the conviction that God wanted him to make this confession. The Confessions is, in fact, an extended poetic, passionate, intimate prayer. In this audiobook version, 13 scholars with a passion for Augustine have come together to give voice to this acclaimed translation by Maria Boulding, which flows like a novel.

Augustine was, probably, 43 when he began this endeavor. He had been a baptized Christian for 10 years, a priest for six, and a bishop for only two. His pre-baptismal life raised questions in the community. Was his conversion genuine? But the first hearers were captivated, as many millions have been, over the following 16 centuries.

His experience of God speaks to us across time, with little need of transpositions. This new translation masterfully captures his experience.

©1997 New City Press (P)2020 New City Press

Critic reviews

"Boulding's fresh new translation of this classic captures the essence of Augustine's struggle to integrate faith and understanding as his heart seeks to rest in God." (Publishers Weekly)

"So old and yet so new! This contemporary translation of Augustine’s Confessions was like meeting an old friend and touching perennial truth, despite the passing years. Augustine was surely larger than life – and this translation is, too." (Richard Rohr, O.F.M.)

"Augustine's Confessions has been much translated: but it is no exaggeration to say that Sister Maria Boulding's version is of a different level of excellence from practically anything else on the market." (Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury)

Great translation but some audio issues

Great translation and performance of a great work. Only issues is a few audio blips that were missed in editing. Very insignificant overall.

Less "professional" but still inspirational

This excellent translation of Augustine's Confessions is read by 13 different readers - one for each of the 13 "books" or chapters that make up Augustine's magesterial text. Given 13 readers, there is a variety of performance quality that, to me, was at first disconcerting. However, as I listened (while also looking at the text itself), I began to find the variety pleasing and even helpful. I say helpful because I believe, along with Augustine himself, that varieties of interpretation (though always submitted to Truth) should be fostered among Christians. Vocally then, the 13 different readings offered different "interpretations", which I found helpful/suggestive.

In all fairness, I should add that none of the readers performs as well as some of the great audio book readers that we are so blessed with today. And, as some reviewers have already noted, there are some places where mistakes in the reading have not been re-recorded and reintegrated. These are few and, at least for this listener, did not detract significantly from my experrence with the book.

Excellent translation

Maria Boulding’s translation makes Augustine come alive. A 2,000 year old voice still relevant for our times.

Inconsistent reading, chapter 13 too dramatic

Different readers for each chapters. Some are good some not good. Chapter 13’s reading style doesn’t match. This is not high drama. I can’t imagine St Augustine reading it to his audience like that.

Excellent translation and generally good narration

Maria Boulding's translation of this theological and literary classic is undoubtedly masterful.
That said, each chapter is read by a different performer, with some performances being great and others okay.
Still, the translation is enough for me to recommend this version above all others.