'… the book will be a valuable resource for those seeking knowledge of Augustine's background.' J. P. Blosser, Choice
1. Chronological chart; 2. 'Augustine in Context and Augustine on context' Tarmo Toom; Part I. Life: 3. Biography in late antiquity Arthur P. Urbano; 4. Augustine on himself Annemareì Kotzeì; 5. Possidius on Augustine Erika T. Hermanowicz; 6. Augustine in Roman North Africa (Thagaste, Carthage) Gareth Sears; 7. Augustine in higher society (Rome and Milan) David Gwynn; 8. Augustine as a Bishop (Hippo) Andrea Sterk; Part II. Literary and intellectual contexts: 9. Language James Clackson; 10. Classical literary culture in North Africa Martin Bloomer; 11. Education, grammar, and rhetoric Yun Lee Too; 12. Scripture and biblical commentaries Stephen A. Cooper; 13. Latin Christian literature I (polemical and theological writings) Josef Lössl; 14. Latin Christian literature II (moral and spiritual writings) David Hunter; 15. Letter-writing and preaching Jaclyn Maxwell; 16. Philosophical trends in Augustine's time Giovanni Catapano; Part III. Religious Contexts: 17. Roman religion Jeffrey Brodd; 18. Manicheism Nicholas Baker-Brian; 19. Ecclesiological controversies Alden Bass; 20. Soteriological controversies Dominic Keech; 21. Trinitarian controversies Mark Weedman; 22. Monasticism/asceticism Marilyn Dunn; Part IV. Political, Social, and Cultural Contexts: 23. Imperial politics and legislation in Roman Africa Dean Hammer; 24. War Alexander Sarantis; 25. Religious violence Despina Iosif; 26. Relationships in Augustine's life Geoffrey Nathan; 27. Popular culture and entertainment Jerry Toner; Part V. Reception: 28. Augustine's reception of himself Johannes Brachtendorf; 29. Reception of Augustine during his lifetime Mathijs Lamberigts; 30. Reception of Augustine in Hadrumetum and Southern Gaul Alexander Y. Hwang.