The Confessions of Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine’s classic autobiography exploring his journey from sin to sainthood—with an Introduction and an Afterword by Martin E. Marty and a Foreword by Elizabeth Block

“It could be said that all roads of Christian Latin literature lead to [Augustine].”—Pope Benedict

For over fifteen centuries, Saint Augustine’s Confessions have inspired and encouraged devoted readers worldwide. “Every vain hope,” recounts Saint Augustine of his introduction to philosophy, “became empty to me, and I longed for the immortality of wisdom.” Hailed by Pope Benedict XVI as “the greatest Father of the Latin Church . . . a man of passion and faith, of high intelligence and untiring pastoral zeal,” Augustine tells the story of his remarkable life. From his days of devil-may-care debauchery to saintliness, from traveling the ancient world to taking the vows of an ascetic life, his gripping biography intertwines with his insights of endless wisdom. In his epic journey—at once exceptional and profoundly human—every person finds a mirror for perfection and the consolation of real hope.

In this modern translation of the immortal classic, scholar, poet, and novelist Rex Warner faithfully renders Augustine’s vision and with consummate skill transposes into modern, readable English all the beauty, power, and drive that have made the Confessions a classic of Western culture.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs