what is the best translation of st. augustine's confessions?

The best translation of St. Augustine’s Confessions depends on your goals—literary beauty, philosophical clarity, or theological accuracy. Here are the top contenders, with context for choosing:


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1. Sarah Ruden (2017) – Modern, Literary, Accessible

Very readable, poetic, and emotionally powerful

Stays close to the rhetorical and performative style of Augustine

Great for first-time readers or those wanting an emotional connection

Less technical in theological terms


> Recommended if you want a beautiful, modern rendering that reads like literature.
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2. Henry Chadwick (Oxford, 1991) – Balanced, Scholarly, Clear

Elegant and precise

Accompanied by excellent introduction and notes

Good blend of faithful translation and readability

A little more academic in tone than Ruden


> Great for students, philosophers, or those interested in deeper context.
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3. F. J. Sheed (1942, updated 2006) – Classic Catholic, Theological Depth

Reverent and theologically rich

Deep sensitivity to Augustine’s Catholic worldview

Still quite readable despite age

Slightly older English and sometimes flowery


> Best for readers with a Catholic background or interest in theology.
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4. E. B. Pusey (1838) – Public Domain, Archaic English

Free and widely available

Reads like the King James Bible—dated and dense

Harder for modern readers


> Only recommended for historical curiosity or comparison.
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Overall Best Choice

For most modern readers:
Sarah Ruden (2017) – for literary grace and accessibility
Henry Chadwick (1991) – for scholarly depth and clarity

Let me know if you’d like a comparison of how a specific passage reads across versions.

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>>24559207
AI slop

>>24558328 (OP)
The best translation is Sneed's, but if you are somewhere where it is hard to find the Oxford World Classics edition should suffice

>>24560766
>slop
Any specific criticisms of the recomendations?

>>24558328 (OP)
Frankly you should just learn Latin. But there's one published by Hackett (has a painting of the prodigal son on the cover) that isn't bad.

I know this is meant to be a serious thread and it’s a good book, it just cracks me up that we already have a bot hating on a Pusey nigger and a Sneed poster taking the bait.
I got the Pusey version because I only read public domain books on my phone, it’s fine.