King Alfred's Old English Version of St. Augustine's Soliloquies Turned into Modern English

This volume offers a clear, modern‑English rendering of Saint Augustine’s Soliloquies, the early‑Christian philosopher’s intimate dialogues in which he probes the nature of the self, reason, and the divine. The original Latin meditation is presented alongside the medieval King Alfred translation, allowing listeners to hear how the ancient thoughts were once expressed in Old English and now in language that feels immediate and approachable. The text captures Augustine’s restless search for truth, his doubts about mortality, and his quest for a lasting spiritual home.

Accompanying the translation are careful scholarly notes that show where Alfred’s version adds its own flourishes, marked in italics, and reference the corresponding Old English lines. An introductory preface explains the translator’s purpose and the collaborative guidance received from noted academics, inviting readers to explore the work both as a historic artifact and as a living conversation about faith, reason, and the human condition.