Description
Book SynopsisAugustine in Context assesses the various contexts - historical, literary, cultural, spiritual - in whichAugustine lived and worked. The essays, written by an international team of scholars especially for this volume, provide the background against which Augustine''s treatises should be read and interpreted. They are organized according to a rationale which moves from an introduction to the person (the so-called ''personal context'') to the contexts of Augustine''s works and ideas, starting from the intellectual setting and extending to the socio-political realm. Collectively the essays highlight the embeddedness of Augustine in the world of late antiquity and the interdependence of his discourse with contemporary forms of social life. They shed new light on one of the most important figures of the western canon and facilitate a more enlightened reading of his writings.
Trade Review'… the book will be a valuable resource for those seeking knowledge of Augustine's background.' J. P. Blosser, Choice
Table of Contents1. Chronological chart; 2. 'Augustine in Context and Augustine on context' Tarmo Toom; Part I. Life: 3. Biography in late antiquity Arthur P. Urbano; 4. Augustine on himself Annemareì Kotzeì; 5. Possidius on Augustine Erika T. Hermanowicz; 6. Augustine in Roman North Africa (Thagaste, Carthage) Gareth Sears; 7. Augustine in higher society (Rome and Milan) David Gwynn; 8. Augustine as a Bishop (Hippo) Andrea Sterk; Part II. Literary and intellectual contexts: 9. Language James Clackson; 10. Classical literary culture in North Africa Martin Bloomer; 11. Education, grammar, and rhetoric Yun Lee Too; 12. Scripture and biblical commentaries Stephen A. Cooper; 13. Latin Christian literature I (polemical and theological writings) Josef Lössl; 14. Latin Christian literature II (moral and spiritual writings) David Hunter; 15. Letter-writing and preaching Jaclyn Maxwell; 16. Philosophical trends in Augustine's time Giovanni Catapano; Part III. Religious Contexts: 17. Roman religion Jeffrey Brodd; 18. Manicheism Nicholas Baker-Brian; 19. Ecclesiological controversies Alden Bass; 20. Soteriological controversies Dominic Keech; 21. Trinitarian controversies Mark Weedman; 22. Monasticism/asceticism Marilyn Dunn; Part IV. Political, Social, and Cultural Contexts: 23. Imperial politics and legislation in Roman Africa Dean Hammer; 24. War Alexander Sarantis; 25. Religious violence Despina Iosif; 26. Relationships in Augustine's life Geoffrey Nathan; 27. Popular culture and entertainment Jerry Toner; Part V. Reception: 28. Augustine's reception of himself Johannes Brachtendorf; 29. Reception of Augustine during his lifetime Mathijs Lamberigts; 30. Reception of Augustine in Hadrumetum and Southern Gaul Alexander Y. Hwang.
