The Confessions of St. Augustine, also called Confessions, is an autobiographical work written by St. Augustine of Hippo between 397 and 400 AD.  Originally titled Confessions in Thirteen Books, it consists of thirteen books written as prayers to God designed to be read aloud, each as a complete unit thought to symbolize aspects of the Trinity and Trinitarian belief. The Confessions is widely considered the first Western biography ever written and is by far the most complete existing record of the life of any person in the 4^th and 5^th centuries.  Written when Augustine was in his early 40’s, it outlines his sinful youth and the process of his conversion to Christianity. The first nine books comprise an unbroken narrative of his life from infancy through boyhood, youth and into adulthood. The first three pay particular attention to his remorse over his sins of lust, larceny, and lies. Books four through six describe his questioning and beginning of movement towards Christianity under the influence of St. Ambrose.  Books seven through nine address his gradual understanding of the Christian God and eventual baptism at age 33. Books ten through thirteen are commentary and contemplation, with significant insights into the operation of the senses and memory, the nature of time, and the nature and meaning of creation. The Confessions played a key role in shaping the medieval mindset and has inspired writers and thinkers for centuries with its remarkable candor and profound insights.

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