I’ve quoted a good bit of Augustine recently, so I thought I’d recommend a few books I’ve read on and by Augustine for those who may want a deeper dive.

First and foremost, read Confessions. It is a powerful spiritual autobiography. Don’t read anything on Augustine till you’ve read this (unless you need a short Wikipedia intro to his life/context). I read this every few years devotionally.

I’m reading currently (80% done) The Augustine Way: Retrieving a Vision for the Church’s Apologetic Witness, by Joshua Chatraw and Mark Allen. It’s dense, but I’d suggest it should be required reading for those doing, or wanting to do, evangelism. Chatraw contends that Augustine’s way is the path forward, beyond overly rational apologetic methods that neglect how the heart often steers the intellect. Augustine strove to show Christianity was not only true and rational, but beautiful and good.

I’d also highly recommend Augustine on the Christian Life, by Gerald Bray. Bray is a professor of church history and historical theology at Beeson. This is not a total systematic summary of Augustine’s theology, but his theology of the Christian life. It’s accessible and very enjoyable.

Also, On the Road with St Augustine: a Real World Spirituality for Restless Hearts by James KA Smith is well worth the read. This book is part cultural critique, part spiritual advice for pilgrims. Smith does an excellent job of bringing Augustine’s wisdom to bear on contemporary issues.

Matthew Levering’s The Theology of Augustine is also very helpful, especially if you want to understand Augustine’s key works but don’t have the time to read them all. Each chapter explores the theological contribution of one of Augustine’s works.

Lastly, City of God, by Augustine. It’s a tad on the long side (like a lot). But if you’re up for it, its full of very rewarding insights into history as God’s plan unfolds.