Osmun opens the preface to his biographical work on Saint Augustine of Hippo saying, "No attempt is made in this volume to glorify Augustine. The single aim is to present him as he was--to preserve him from his adulators. To omit the halo, is to be more just to him, and to be true to ourselves." After reading the really accessible, though ancient, work one could say that Osmun kept his promise. The works generally as a traditional biography. Augustine was born at A, attempted to work as B, published his work at C, and died a ripe old age at D. However, Osmun intertwines the history of Augustine's philosophy throughout the work making little arguments here or there concerning the affects of culture on the churches great philosopher, his affect on the church, and his affect on the surrounding culture. All in all, a good, enjoyable read.