Literary excellence is not the forte of the patristic writers. Hardly any of them are literary artists. Lactantius among the Latins, and Chrysostom among the Greeks, are almost the only fathers that have rhetorical grace. And none of them approach the beauty of the classic writers, as seen in the harmonious flow and diction of Plato, and the exquisite finish of Horace and Catullus.
Augustin is prolix, repetitious, and sometimes leaves his theme to discuss cognate but distantly related subjects. This appears more in the last eight chapters, which are speculative, than in the first seven, which are scriptural. The material in this second division is capable of considerable compression. The author frequently employs two illustrations when one would suffice, and three or more when two are enough. He discusses many themes which are not strictly Trinitarian.
Introduction to Augustine, On The Trinity, p10
Shedd surely can't be right that Augustine cared 'nothing for elegance in diction'? (p11) Having said that, it is high praise to call it one of the most pregnant and suggestive of all theological treatises.
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I do not have sufficient knowledge of Latin or of classical writings to speak with any sort of authority on this but Augustine was surely concerned with rhetoric and communication and from what I know his Confessions are widely regarded as a literary as well as theological landmark. But do yourself a favour and read a good translation. I have always enjoyed reading Augustine except when using one of those 19th century translations.
Indeed. So what translation should I have bought / could I read online instead?
I don't think there are any really good translations readily available online / for free. I would go for the New City press volumes. Augustine seems to me worth the expense. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Trinity-Books-Augustine-Translation-Century/dp/1565484460
I think I was being tight. I think Shedd said the translator died when he'd more or less finished and someone else revised it but they admit to rather struggling, with a bit of blame-shifting to Augustine! (I paraphrase)
The publishing history of the book may have to take a share of the blame as well. Augustine apparently did not feel free to modify too much the pirated edition that had got out against his wishes.
Yes, interesting point.
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