Chadwick's style really makes the book, he writes with such wit and makes Augustine sound like a real-life person - something we rarely think of historical figures as being! I recommend Chadwick's book on "The Early Church".

The first chapter sketches Augustine's life in about thirty pages. It is readable, informative but may need to be taken slowly if you are completely unfamiliar with the philosophy and background of the time.

The rest of the book is made up of excellent short chapters focusing on one subject e.g. Creation and Trinity.

This really is one of the best books I have read in the VSI range and has inspired me to read some of Augustine's works.