The Best Translation of St. Augustine’s ‘Confessions’

In his book Three Philosophies of Life, Dr. Peter Kreeft explains how he rediscovered St. Augustine's Confessions:

"Only once have I ever encountered a translation that made such a difference, that so opened up for me a previously closed book. That was Frank Sheed's translation of Augustine's Confessions, which I found to be as living as molten lava. The most widely used translation of the Confessions is the one by a Mr. Pine-Coffin, and it is worthy of his name. It is a dead translation. Sheed's is living."

Poor Mr. Pine-Coffin.

Witty jabs aside, I completely agree with Kreeft. Sheed's translation captures Augustine's poetic verve better than any other. (Sheed accomplishes the same task with the Gospels in his spiritual classic, To Know Christ Jesus, still my favorite book on Christ.)

If you're starting The Confessions for the first time, or perhaps again after failed attempts, check out Frank Sheed's translation for a fresh gaze on this spiritual gem.

Beyond Sheed, though, I've also heard great things about Maria Boulding's translation. The Anchoress (aka Elizabeth Scalia) raved about the book. Likewise, Fr. Z described it as "[t]he best translation for most people." Rowan Williams, the former Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, claimed, "[Boulding] has perfected an elegant and flowing style."

If you're interested in Boulding's translation, I highly recommend the Ignatius Press Critical Edition which pairs Boulding's text with extensive notes and essays by top Augustine scholars.