"Jennifer Ebbeler has written an important book on the letters of Augustine of Hippo.... Her book is an important contribution to the study of Augustine, late antique Christianity and ancient epistolography."--Robin Whelan,
Journal of Roman Studies"Anyone looking for a more in depth understanding of Augustine and the development of literary strategies in Late Antiquity will be rewarded by perusal of this book."--Bradley M. Peper,
Marginalia"This thoughtful work will no doubt attract specialists in late antiquity and early Christianity as well as those with an interest in the famous African church father."--Owen M. Phelan,
Religious Studies Review"Jennifer Ebbeler's book expertly examines Augustine's letters in depth as classically influenced works."--Michael T. Martin,
History: Reviews of New Books"Writing an original and insightful monograph on Augustine is difficult given the number of studies produced each year. But Ebbeler succeeds. Building on her prior work in this area, she advances our understanding of Augustine's thoughts on discipline, friendship, and correspondence, and of the innovative strategies he employed in transforming the customary practices in these areas. Most importantly, her use of a literary approach and her emphasis on the independent value of his epistolary correspondences highlights and helps to fill a lacuna in recent Augustine scholarship." --
The Marginalia Review Ebbeler has written a bold and original monograph, full of fresh insights. It is warmly recommended to all those who are interested in Augustine and the literary culture of Late Antiquity."--Winrich Löhr,
Bryn Mawr Classical Review"
Disciplining Christians is an interesting and persuasive study of St. Augustine as a letter-writer, in particular of his controversial insistence on debating with and disciplining his correspondents. It offers many useful observations about epistolary conventions in antiquity and about Augustine's relationships with some of the key figures of his age."--Scott Bradbury, Smith College
"Against a subtly drawn background of late antique epistolary
mores, Jennifer Ebbeler spotlights Augustine's subversive (though doomed) attempt to transform the 'friendly letter' into a novel medium of mutual correction. By doing so, Ebbeler deftly exposes yet another social fault line that traces Augustine's unique vision of a truly Christian society."-Dennis Trout, University of Missouri
