Author:Saint Augustine
Augustine’s spiritual autobiography is not only a major document in the history of Christianity and a classic of Roman Africa: it also marks a vital moment in the history of Western culture. As Augustine explains how, when and why he became the man he is at the time of writing, he probes the great themes which others were to explore after him – faith, time, truth, identity and self-understanding – in a detail unmatched in ancient literature.
Illustrated with vivid portraits of friends, family, colleagues and enemies, The Confessions provides a remarkably candid account of the passage from a life of sensuality and superstition to a genuine spiritual awakening. The result is a powerful narrative of one man’s religious journey which continues to shape the way we write and behave today.
[Morrison's] prose has the diamond cut of a poet's eye, and his story is suffused with warmth and longing-he has brought [his mother] vividly to life in an outstanding work of family literature
—— IndependentHonest, funny and touching, this is a loving tribute from a son to his mother
—— Sunday MirrorMorrison constructs the book beautifully, as always... Fine writing and expert editing...with Morrison's usual virtues of unsentimental observation and expert storytelling
—— Sunday TimesA marvellous example of what a zen-like act of sustained attention can do to honour and illuminate the ordinary... It has a universality
—— Evening StandardA scintillating read... Not only a fine evocation of the period, but also a fascinating study of a marriage
—— GQ