Straw,

the reason I like Augustine is becasue he combines the experiential with the exegesis. Confessions is a goody and it's funny you mention Retractationes becasue I've wanted to get my hands on that one for a while but can't find it anywhere.

The great book I want to recommend is "The Triumph of Grace (Augustines's writings on Salvation)" by N.R. Needham

As for Calvin, you may be more turned off with the system known as 'Calvinism' (TULIP) which is an oversimplification of the essence of scriptures and Calvin's teachings.

Mr. Needham criticizes the term 'Limited Atonement' and critically compares it to the idea of 'Limited Heaven' because not everyone goes there.

Straw, I hate to recommend you do more homework - but read Needham's book!!! You won't regret it!!!

The mercy of God is necessary not only when a person repents, but even to lead him to repent, Augustine