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Editions of Gnostic Scripture and Writings...
The Gnostic Scriptures edited by Bentley Layton
Layton provides outstanding translations with commentaries of the more important scriptures from the Nag Hammadi collection, along with a large number of quotations from and references to other Gnostic texts and sources. An excellent (but scholarly) introduction to the study of Gnostic scriptures.
The Nag Hammadi Library in English edited by James M. Robinson
The epochal translation of the entire Nag Hammadi Library. First published in 1977, this newest edition has improved the translations presented. Every student of Gnosticism will want to own this book, but before attempting to understand the texts presented here, we highly recommend a study of other introductory readings.
The Gnostic Bible, edited by Willis Barnstone and Marvin Meyer NEW
A superb collection of original Gnostic texts, all gathered together in a single book. Included here are the most important texts from Nag Hammadi, along with a comprehensive selection of other Gnostic texts found surviving in ancient and medieval sources. Each text is accompanied by an excellent introduction and overview. This is currently the single best collection of traditional Gnostic texts available. Highly recommended.
The Gospel of Mary of Magdala: Jesus and the First Woman Apostle by Karen King NEW
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene is one the most surprising and delightful of the rediscovered Gnostic texts. This excellent new print edition of the Gospel of Mary of Magdala by the widely respected scholar Karen King is the best authorative edition available. It incorporates translations of the Coptic Gospel of Mary found in 1896 in Cairo, along with the two small Greek fragments of the text found at Oxyrhynchus. Included is a superb introduction along with extensive commentary on the text and its implications for modern understandings of early Christianity. Highly Recommended.
The Gospel of Thomas: The Hidden Sayings of Jesus translated by Marvin Meyer
The Gospel of Thomas is the among the most accessible and important of the Gnostic writings found at Nag Hammadi. Possibly older than any of the four canonical Gospels, Thomas presents a remarkable record of the sayings of the "living Jesus". Meyer's introduction and an interpretive afterword by Harold Bloom, serve as very useful entry points both for the study of this gospel and for Gnosticism in general.
The Fifth Gospel: The Gospel of Thomas Comes of Age by Stephen J. Patterson and James M. Robinson
Very readable edition of the important Gospel of Thomas. The translation is accompanied by two excellent introductory essays placing Thomas within the historical Gospel context. The book is written by recognized scholars but addressed to a general audience. This is one of the best available translations and commentaries on the text. A highly recommended introduction to this important Gnostic Gospel.
The Secret Teachings of Jesus: Four Gnostic Gospels edited by Marvin Meyer
A fine, new translation of four principal texts from the Nag Hammadi collection: The Gospel of James; Gospel of Thomas; Book of Thomas; and Secret Book of John. A concise introduction rounds out this nice selection of Gnostic texts. This is an excellent collection to use for beginning study of classical Gnostic writings.
The Complete Gospels edited by Robert J. Miller
This is a nice collection of all extant "gospel" texts -- canonical, Gnostic and other non-canonical writings -- all in new translations. Included here are the Gospel of Thomas, Dialogue of the Savior, and Secret Book of James from the Nag Hammadi codices, as well as the Gospel of Mary, Secret Gospel of Mark, and the Q Sayings, and annotated editions of the four canonical gospels. Miller gives excellent introduction to each text and includes notes that are particularly useful.
Mani, the Angel and the Column of Glory by Andrew Welburn
The resurgence of Gnostic studies has led to a renewed interest in the world religion founded by the Prophet Mani (216-276 AD). During the last century entire libraries of Manichean texts were unearthed in the orient, but only recently in the context of Gnostic studies are scholars beginning to evaluate these writings and the religion they witness. Andrew Welburn presents here a wonderful introduction to the Gnosis of Mani, "Apostle of Jesus Christ", along with the most accessible collection of Manichean texts presently available. This is a book highly recommended to those interested in the nature and history of Gnosticism. (Unfortunately, this fine book may soon be out of print. If you want a copy, now is the time to order it.)
The Fall of Sophia: A Gnostic Text on the Redemption of Universal Consciousness by Violet MacDermot with a commentary by Stephan A. Hoeller
This is a valuable new translation of the Pistis Sophia by Violet MacDermot, who also served as one of the original translators of the Nag Hammadi collection. Stephan Hoeller provides an introduction to the text, helping place this important Gnostic scripture in context. Recommended. (Pistis Sophia, the traditional title of this text, is taken from "the Books of the Savior" contained in the Askew codex -- see also the Mead version, below.)
Pistis Sophia: A Gnostic Miscellany by G. R. S. Mead
Until recent publication of the MacDermot translation (above), this was the most readable translation of major portions of the Books of the Savior (from the Askew codex, commonly titled Pistis Sophia) with excerpts of related literature and valuable commentaries. Pistis Sophia provides our major source on Valentinian Sophiology. Mead provides a more complete and scholarly translation of Pistis Sophia than does McDermot in her new edition -- Mead's version serves better for reference use, and McDermot's for casual study. (This is a reprint edition.)
Fragments of a Faith Forgotten: A Contribution to the Study of the Origins of Christianity by G. R. S. Mead
Mead offers here a superb exposition of virtually all Gnostic materials extant prior to the Nag Hammadi discovery. Though first published over eighty years ago, this study still merits attention. (This is a reprint edition.)
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