The City of God by Saint Augustine Value Guide

The City of God is a monumental defense of Christianity written by Saint Augustine of Hippo following the 410 CE Sack of Rome. This influential work contrasts the 'earthly city' with the 'City of God,' profoundly shaping Western theological and philosophical thought for over a millennium.

What affects the value of The City of God by Saint Augustine?

• Binding condition and material, such as modern trade paperbacks versus vintage hardcover editions.
• The specific translation and publisher, as certain scholarly editions are more sought after by students and theologians.
• Physical state of the book, including foxing, spine integrity, and whether the ink remains legible.
• Historical provenance or signatures from notable theological scholars which can occasionally increase the base $10-$20 value.

How to Identify The City of God by Saint Augustine?

• Look for the Latin title 'De Civitate Dei' on the spine or title page of older editions.
• Verify the presence of all 22 books, which Augustine completed over a 13-year period between 413 and 426 CE.
• Check for scholarly introductions or translations that specify the origin of the text in Roman Africa.
• Examine the paper and ink quality; modern mass-market paperbacks are common, while older leather-bound editions are rarer.

History of The City of God by Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine began writing 'The City of God' in 413 CE, shortly after the Sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410 CE. The pagans attributed Rome's downfall to the abandonment of traditional gods and the rise of Christianity. Augustine's monumental work defends Christianity by presenting two cities: the earthly city, driven by self-love, and the City of God, whose citizens live according to God's will. It took him 13 years to complete, finishing in 426 CE, and it profoundly shaped Western thought and theology for centuries.