What books had St Augustine probably read?

What books had St Augustine probably read?

St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) was a highly educated and well-read individual. Although it's impossible to know every book he read, we can identify some key texts based on his writings and the historical context of his time. Some of the books and authors that St. Augustine likely read include:

1. The Bible: Augustine's central text was the Bible, and his works are full of scriptural references, analysis, and interpretation. He was particularly interested in the Old and New Testaments.

2. Plato and Neoplatonism: Augustine was heavily influenced by Plato and Neoplatonic philosophers, such as Plotinus and Porphyry. He read many of their works and incorporated their ideas into his own theology, especially regarding the nature of reality and the relationship between the material and spiritual worlds.

3. Cicero: Augustine was also influenced by the Roman philosopher and orator Cicero. His introduction to philosophy came from reading Cicero's "Hortensius," which sparked his lifelong passion for seeking truth and wisdom.

4. Virgil: Augustine was familiar with the works of the Roman poet Virgil, including the "Aeneid." In his "Confessions," Augustine refers to the influence of Virgil's poetry on his early life.

5. Manichaean texts: Before converting to Christianity, Augustine was a member of the Manichaean sect, a dualistic religion founded by the Persian prophet Mani. He would have read Manichaean texts during this time, although most of these writings have been lost.

6. Christian authors: Augustine read and was influenced by various early Christian authors, such as Ambrose of Milan, Athanasius of Alexandria, and Jerome. These authors' works played a significant role in shaping Augustine's understanding of Christianity.

7. Rhetoric and grammar: As an educated Roman citizen, Augustine would have been trained in the liberal arts, particularly rhetoric and grammar. He would have read classical texts on these subjects, such as those by Quintilian and Donatus.

This list is by no means exhaustive but provides a snapshot of the significant books and authors that would have shaped Augustine's thought and intellectual development.