Augustine

This is the subject of the book. The life and times of this North African have proven to be important, not only in the communities in which he directly participated during his life but also as part of a much larger tradition. This man exemplified how a man of humble beginnings could, with the help of his family, his community, and funding, prove to be a powerhouse. Although his education resulted in his being 'provincial' it still stood him in good stead for making progress in the world. He was transformed into someone 'less provincial' by heading off for further education and career placements. He traveled from the Carthaginian town of Thagaste to Rome and then to Milan.

He had two major careers, that of a teacher, sometimes called by Peter Brown and instructor, at other times a schoolmaster and later that of a Catholic bishop. During the...