This book is the first to interpret and reflect on Augustine's seminal argument concerning humility and pride, especially in politics and philosophy, in The City of God. Mary Keys shows how contemporary readers have much to gain from engaging Augustine's lengthy argument on behalf of virtuous humility. She also demonstrates how a deeper understanding of the classical and Christian philosophical-rhetorical modes of discourse in The City of God enables readers to appreciate and evaluate Augustine's nuanced case for humility in politics, philosophy, and religion. Comprised of a series of interpretive essays and commentaries following Augustine's own order of segments and themes in The City of God, Keys' volume unpacks the author's complex text and elucidates its challenge, meaning, and importance for contemporary readers. It also illuminates a central, yet easily underestimated theme with perennial relevance in a classic work of political thought and religion.

‘Keys has given us a supremely readable account of Augustine’s City of God. Her book … represents an original contribution which nevertheless summarizes the best English-language scholarship on that work while it also focuses attention on the wider oeuvre of the bishop of Hippo. As such it is valuable both to novices in the study of the City of God and to students of the history of political theory and philosophy who are looking for an appropriate optic to read Augustine’s magnum opus.'

Robert Dodaro Source: The Thomist