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Editions of Gnostic Scripture and Writings...
The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
edited by Marvin Meyer, introduction by Elaine PagelsThe epochal new translation of the entire Nag Hammadi library has finally arrived! Dr. Marvin Meyer has done a masterful job in producing a volume that will serve for many decades as the standard source. Scholarly understanding of the Gnostic texts found at Nag Hammadi has vastly matured since their original publication as the Nag Hammadi Library in 1977. This new edition fully reflects that refinement in "the scholarly ear" for both the forgotten ancient tongue and the spiritual tradition preserved in the Gnostic Coptic texts. In every possible way, publication of The Nag Hammadi Scriptures represents a milestone in modern understanding of Gnostic tradition. Elaine Pagels, the author and professor who introduced a generation of readers to the Gnostic Gospels, appropriately pens the introduction to this landmark edition. Every student of Gnosticism will want to own this book, but before jumping into the big volume, we still highly recommend a study of some of the briefer introductory readings listed here. Buy the Book
The Gnostic Bible, edited by Willis Barnstone and Marvin Meyer
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. Buy the Book.
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. We now, however, recommend the two above books in preference to the Layton editions. Buy the Book.
The Gospel of Mary of Magdala: Jesus and the First Woman Apostle by Karen King
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. Buy the Book
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. Buy the Book.
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. Buy the Book.
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 is now out of print.) Buy the Book
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, and this entire book is available online in our library.) Buy the Book.
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 nearly a century ago, this study still merits careful attention. (This is a reprint edition, and this book is available online in our library.) Buy the Book.
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