A complete and uniformly bound set of the monumental edition of the complete works of Saint Augustine of Hippo, printed by the celebrated Froben press. This edition follows the editorial tradition established by Erasmus and Johann Froben in the early 16th century and reflects the enduring influence of Augustines thought on early modern theology.
The present work includes a broad range of Augustines writings: his dogmatic treatises (De Trinitate, De civitate Dei), polemical works (notably against Pelagianism and Manichaeism), exegetical texts (Enarrationes in Psalmos, Gospel homilies), ascetic and moral discourses, and the Epistolae. This edition represents an early attempt to consolidate Augustines vast corpus for academic and ecclesiastical use during period following the Council of Trent. It demonstrates the persistence of Augustinian authority in Reformation-era intellectual life, as well as the role of the Swiss printing houses in disseminating patristic texts throughout Europe.
Aurelius Augustine (354-430 CE), commonly known as Augustine of Hippo, was a North African bishop, theologian, and philosopher, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Western Christianity and Latin patristic thought. Born in Thagaste (modern-day Souk Ahras, Algeria), Augustine received a classical education in rhetoric and philosophy before embracing Manichaeism and later Neoplatonism.
After a period of moral and spiritual searching, chronicled in his Confessiones, he converted to Christianity in 386 CE under the influence of Ambrose of Milan. He was baptised in 387, ordained a priest in 391, and became bishop of Hippo Regius in 395, a position he held until his death.
Augustines vast body of work addresses themes such as original sin, grace, free will, the nature of the Church, and the interpretation of Scripture. His most notable writings include Confessiones, De civitate Dei (the City of God), and De Trinitate. His thought shaped the theological foundations of both medieval Catholicism and later Protestant traditions, particularly through his doctrines of grace and predestination. He died in 430 CE during the Vandal siege of Hippo. Augustine was later declared a Doctor of the Church, and his intellectual legacy remains foundational to Western theology and philosophy.
With a manuscript inscription on each of the title pages and a small printed book plate mounted on the front pastedown of volume 1. The bindings are slightly stained and are occasionally slightly bumped and rubbed. The front hinge of volume one is slightly weakened, lacking the upper clasp and anchor plate of volume 7, and the front board of volume 9 is slightly damaged along the fore edge. Internally, the volumes are variably slightly foxed and/or browned, some volumes show very minor water staining, most volumes contain some minor worm holes which affect small parts of the letters. A more detailed condition report, including collations etc., per volume is available upon request. The 10 volumes are overall in very good condition. A handsome and important Renaissance printing of one of the most significant corpora of Christian antiquity. Rare complete in all ten volumes, here uniformly bound. USTC 686573; VD 16 A 4153; WorldCat 1828402, 1406901978, 1090145458, 1002789099, 35656998, 222081178, 1322263024, 1114269923; cf. for the binder see Einbanddatenbank no. 502297b (rolls nos. r004651 and r003964).