1886. Volume 2 of a 14 volume set. The "City of God" is a masterpiece of the greatest genius among the Latin Fathers that embodies the results of thirteen years of intellectual labor and study. It is a vindication of Christianity against the attacks of the heathen in view of the sacking of the city of Rome by the barbarians. It is the first attempt at a philosophy of history, under the aspect of two rival cities or communities; the eternal city of God and the perishing city of the world. This is the best known and most read work of St. Augustin's next to his Confessions.