Directory:
Basic Books on Gnosis
More Advanced Reading
Editions of
Gnostic
Scriptures
Books by
Stephan A. Hoeller
Gnostic Reading List
Dead Sea Scrolls Section
Search Amazon.com
Return to
Gnosis Archive
Support The
Gnosis Archive:
Click and add this Amazon.com Bookmark to your favorites (Internet Explorer and Firefox).
Use our link when you go to Amazon.com. You get the same low Amazon prices, and we receive a small commission that supports our non-profit efforts.
Or add a bookmark by right-clicking on image below and select "Add to Bookmarks":
Gnosis Archive | Bookstore | Search | Web Lectures | Ecclesia Gnostica | Gnostic Society
A Gnostic Reading List...The reading list is divided into four sections:
We have selected several books from the lists which might form the core of an initial reading program, these are listed in the Basic Gnostic Library. In our bookstore you will also find many additional recommended books that have been recently released (this book list was last updated several years ago).
Some of these listed books are now out of print, but Amazon.com has an excellent network of used book sellers and most out of print books can also found at reasonable price by clicking on the Buy a Used Copy link.
This is not a comprehensive bibliography of works on Gnosticism; it is intended to serve simply as a guide for readers seeking books that merit attention. The majority of these books are in print, most will be available at a university library; however several important books mentioned here are out of print and a few are difficult to find even in a good library.
INTRODUCTORY READINGS
Stephan A. Hoeller, Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing (Quest Books, 2002) Buy the Book
There has long been need for a comprehensive introductory guide to the Gnostic tradition. Hoeller supplies just such a book with this new offering. This delightful study gives clear voice to the essential message of Gnosticism; it is an invaluable introduction to the history and import of Gnosticism in the Western tradition.
Stuart Holroyd, The Elements of Gnosticism, (Shaftesbury, Dorset, England and Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1994). Buy the Book
An excellent, brief introduction to the teachings, history and literature of Gnosticism. The approach is sympathetic with emphasis on the relevance of Gnosticism for today. (Distributed through Penguin Books in the USA.)
Marvin Meyer, The Gospel of Thomas: The Hidden Sayings of Jesus (Harper San Francisco, 1992). Buy the Book
The latest translation of the most accessible of Gnostic scriptures. The translator's introduction, and an interpretive essay by Harold Bloom, serve as very useful entry points both for the study of this gospel and for Gnosticism in general.
Elaine Pagels, Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas (Random House, 2003)
In a book certain to become a another classic, Pagels returns to the themes she first introduced two decades ago in her landmake study, The Gnostic Gospels. Beyond Belief interweaves ancient history with the quietly compelling tale of Pagels' own quest to understand her heritage. It leads by careful and well-reasoned steps back through history, to an interior spiritual tradition within Christianity forgotten by the world – a tradition reviled as heresy, and excised from what became orthodox creedal faith. As most readers will perceive, Pagels’ heart is keenly attuned to that forgotten Christianity.
Elaine Pagels, The Gnostic Gospels (New York: Random House, 1978). Buy the Book
The popular classic, introducing the Nag Hammadi scriptures and Gnosticism within a useful historical context. Perhaps the first major book to be free of the anti-Gnostic heresiological bias. (Presently widely available in paperback.)
Martin Seymor-Smith, Gnosticism: The Path of Inner Knowledge (Harper San Francisco, 1996). (Currently out-of-print Buy a Used Copy )
A small coffee table book, attractively illustrated in color, with a mildly sympathetic treatment of the subject. Brief but informative.
June Singer, A Gnostic Book of Hours: Keys to Inner Wisdom (Nicolas Hays, March 2003)
Just republished! A delightful labor of love by a noted Jungian analyst and author. The text consists of Gnostic sacred texts (taken from the Nag Hammadi Library) arranged for reading in the cycle of an ancient monastic "book of hours". To each meditative text, a commentary of psychological and Gnostic inspiration is appended. This wonderful little work is an instrument for deepening of one's Gnosis -- and a wonderful introduction to the Gnostic scriptures found at Nag Hammadi.
INTERMEDIATE READINGS
Tobias Churton, The Gnostics (London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1987). (Currently out-of-print Buy a Used Copy )
A comprehensive, well researched and objective study, encompassing Gnostic teachings, and literature. Includes a useful chronological table. (This book was originally written to accompany a television documentary on "The Gnostics", produced by in Great Britain by Boarder Television in 1987.)
John Dart, The Laughing Saviour: The Discovery and Significance of the Nag Hammadi Gnostic Library (New York: Harper & Row, 1976). (Currently out-of-print)
Journalistic, slightly superficial sampling of the Nag Hammadi scriptures with mildly informative contextual information.
Jean Doresse, The Secret Books of the Egyptian Gnostic: An Introduction to the Gnostic Coptic Manuscripts Discovered at Chenoboskion (New York: Viking Press, 1960). Buy the Book
Personal account by one of the original discoverers of the Nag Hammadi scriptures. Includes an early translation of the Gospel of Thomas. The author manifests an anti-Gnostic bias.
Robert M. Grant, Gnosticism and Early Christianity (New York: Harper Torchbooks, 1966). (Currently out-of-print Buy a Used Copy)
A moderately useful treatment of the subject, marred by the negative attitude of the author, rooted in a heresiological bias.
Arthur Guirdham, The Great Heresy (Jersey, England: Nevill Spearman, 1977). Buy the Book
Study of the teachings of the medieval Gnostics, known as Cathars. Part one of the book is highly informative and insightful. Part two is based on alleged communications from discarnate entities, and therefore is of questionable value.
Stephan A. Hoeller, Jung and the Lost Gospels: Insights into the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi Library (Wheaton, IL: Quest Books, 1989). Buy the Book
An account of Gnosticism in the context of a timeless alternative tradition. The four principal Gnostic myths and four Nag Hammadi Gospels are introduced within a Jungian psychological framework
Hans Jonas, The Gnostic Religion (Boston: Beacon, 1963 and republished). Buy the Book
A classic work, employing existential principles of analysis to Gnostic teachings (the author was a student of Heidegger). Contains many valuable quotations, including many from Mandaean and Manichaean sources. Written before the publication of the Nag Hammadi scriptures, it contains only scant references to these sources.
Jaques Lacarriere, The Gnostics (New York: E. P. Dutton, 1977; republished by City Light Books. Buy the Book
A poetic meditation on Gnosticism and Gnostic teachings. The author's anti-establishment, "left-wing" orientation needs to be discounted, but it contains useful information and is sympathetic to Gnosticism. Includes an worthwhile forward by Lawrence Durrell.
Dan Merkur, Gnosis: An Esoteric Tradition of Mystical Visions and Unions (Albany, NY: SUNY Press, 1993. Buy the Book
Startlingly creative and insightful work that sees Gnosticism as originating in a certain kind of spiritual experience akin to C. G. Jung's "active imagination". Includes cognate material from Christian, Jewish, and Islamic mysticism. Well documented and readable.
Pheme Perkins, The Gnostic Dialogue: The Early Church and the Crisis of Gnosticism (New York: Paulist Press, 1980). (Currently out-of-print Buy a Used Copy)
Informative study, marred by the author's Roman Catholic bias and obvious attempt to counteract the pro-Gnostic effect of Elaine Pagels' work, The Gnostic Gospels.
Zoe Oldenbourg, Massacre at Montsegur: A History of the Albigensian Crusade (New York: Minerva Press, 1968). (Currently out-of-print Buy a Used Copy)
A classic work on the bloody war and persecution of the medieval Gnostic (Cathars) religion in Languedoc, France. The first historical work to unmask this persecution in its full horror. Written by a noted medievalist and historical novelist.
Kurt Rudolph, Gnosis: The Nature and History of Gnosticism (San Francisco, Harper & Row, 1983). Buy the Book
Detailed and scholarly exposition, equally valuable to scholar and lay-person. The author's point of view is objective and in the main uninfluenced by heresiological bias. Includes excellent documentation, and Mandaean materials obtained by the author in his personal research.
June Singer, A Gnostic Book of Hours: Keys to Inner Wisdom (San Francisco: Harper, 1992). (Currently out-of-print Buy a Used Copy)
Delightful labor of love of Gnosis by a noted Jungian. Consists of Gnostic sacred texts arranged for reading according to the monastic hours and days of the week. Commentaries of Jungian and Gnostic inspiration are appended to the texts. An instrument for deepening of one's Gnosis.
H. J. Spierenburg, ed., H. P. Blavatsky: On the Gnostics (San Diego, CA: Point Loma Publication, 1994). (Currently out-of-print Buy a Used Copy)
Compilation of the writings of various lengths on the Gnostics by the seminal figure of the 19th century occult revival. It proves Blavatsky's excellent insight into matters Gnostic, as well as the intimate compatibility of Gnosticism and modern Theosophy. (This book may be difficult to find, except by writing the publisher at P. O. Box 6507, San Diego, CA 92166.)
ADVANCED READINGS
E. C. Blackman, Marcion and His Influence, (London: APGK, 1948; reprinted New York: Ames Press, 1978). (Currently out-of-print Buy a Used Copy)
Classic study of Marcion's teachings and their impact on various disciplines, including Biblical Criticism. Arguably the most complete work on Marcion yet written.
Ioan P. Couliano, The Tree of Gnosis: Gnostic Mythology from Early Christianity to Modern Nihilism (San Francisco: Harper,1990). (Currently out-of-print Buy a Used Copy)
Highly imaginative but somewhat immature study of the Gnostic tradition, with a strong historical emphasis. Creative but turgid.
Giovanni Filoramo, A History of Gnosticism (Oxford and Cambridge, Mass.: Basil Blackwell, 1990). (Currently out-of-print Buy a Used Copy)
Excellent and sympathetic study of Gnosticism, including insightful exegeses of Gnostic scriptures. One of the best scholarly works available.
Iain Gardner, The Kephalaia of the Teacher: The Edited Coptic Manichaean Texts in Translation with Commentary (Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1995). Buy the Book
Contains one of the best available and detailed introductory discussions of Manichaeism, along with an excellent translation of the Kephalaia, a collection of the "oral teachings of Mani to his disciples".
Charles W. Hedrick and Robert Hodgson, ed., Nag Hammadi Gnosticism and Early Christianity (Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson Publishers, 1986). (Currently out-of-print Buy a Used Copy)
Several valuable studies, primarily concerning the Nag Hammadi collection of Gnostic scriptures, by fourteen noted scholars of this field.
C. W. King, The Gnostics and Their Remains, Ancient and Medieval (reprinted San Diego: Wizards Bookshelf, 1982). (Currently out-of-print)
A classic nineteenth-century work, depicting and explaining primarily items of talismanic art of the Gnostic tradition.
Karen L. King, ed., Images of the Feminine in Gnosticism (Philadelphia, Penn.: Fortress Press, 1988). Buy the Book
Transactions of a conference bearing the same title, held in 1985 at the Institute of Antiquity and Christianity in Claremont, California, containing 32 essays and responses by scholars. The contents are of mixed value.
Karen L. King, What is Gnosticism? (Harvard Univ. Press, 2003) Buy the Book.
Dr. King offers an invaluable review of the academic study of Gnosticism over the last century, and closely questions the dogmatic biases that have motivated most prior studies. She suggests that the category of "gnosticism" needs a careful reevaluation in light of current understanding of this ancient tradition. Anyone interested in the history and evolution of Gnostic studies in light of the Nag Hammadi Library - including the the many other studies listed below - will find this a very useful book; it is however oriented to a scholarly audience.
Hans-Joachim Klimkeit, Gnosis on the Silk Road: Gnostic Texts from Central Asia (San Francisco: Harper, 1993). (Currently out-of-print Buy a Used Copy)
A useful brief introduction to Manichaeism, along with a large collection of beautiful Manichaean texts obtained from materials uncovered in Central Asia during the last century.
Samuel N. C. Lieu, Manichaeism in the Late Roman Empire and Medieval China (2 revised ed. Tubingen: J.C.B. Mohr, 1992). (Currently out-of-print Buy a Used Copy)
A highly detailed discussion of Manichaeism, and perhaps the best current modern work on the subject. Of particular importance, this work includes very comprehensive notes and a bibliography listing essentially every important extant work on Manichaeism.
Samuel N. C. Lieu, Manichaeism in Mesopotamia & the Roman East (Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1994). Buy the Book
A collection of Lieu's essays, most highly specialized in nature, which complement his previous work, Manichaeism in the Late Roman Empire.
Samuel N. C. Lieu, Manichaeism in Central Asia and China (Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1998). Buy the Book
A further collection of Lieu's essays, again highly specialized in nature, which complement his previous works, above.
Elaine H. Pagels, The Johannine Gospel in Gnostic Exegesis: Heracleon's Commentary on John (Nashville and New York: Abingdon Press, 1973). (Currently out-of-print Buy a Used Copy)
Useful exposition of Valentinian interpretations of the Gospel of John, including material on John the Baptizer.
Elaine H. Pagels, The Gnostic Paul: Gnostic Exegesis of the Pauline Letters (Philadelphia: Trinity Press International, 1975). Buy the Book
An examination of the Valentinian Gnostic reading of the Pauline letters, offering a new perspective on Pauline studies.
Elaine H. Pagels, Adam, Eve, and the Serpent (New York: Random House, 1988). Buy the Book
The impact of the first three chapters of Genesis on the political thought of Christendom. Chapter 3 is of singular interest to Gnostic studies.
Simone Petrement, A Separate God: The Christian Origins of Gnosticism (San Francisco: Harper, 1990). (Currently out-of-print Buy a Used Copy)
An important study, viewing Gnosticism as a purely Christian phenomenon. The somewhat obscure style of the author makes it slightly difficult reading.
Ray Summers, The Secret Teachings of the Living Jesus: Studies in the Coptic Gospel According to Thomas (Waco, Texas: Word Books, 1968). (Currently out-of-print)
A relatively early, moderately useful exegetical study of The Gospel According the Thomas.
Richard T. Wallis and Jay Bergman, ed., Neoplatonism and Gnosticism (Albany, NY: SUNY Press, 1992). Buy the Book
A collection of essays focusing on the differences between Neoplatonism and Gnosticism. Primarily of technical interest to students of this particular subject.
Yuri Stoyanov, The Other God: Dualist Religions from Antiquity to the Cathar Heresy (New Haven: Yale University Press, Rev. Ed. 2000). Buy the Book
An impressive and generally balanced historical overview of the "dualistic" religious tradition. Material on the Cathars -- a central focus of the study -- is well researched and of particular value.
EDITIONS OF GNOSTIC SCRIPTURES
(Editor unnamed), The Gospel According to Thomas: with complimentary texts (Santa Barbara: Concord Grove Press, 1983). (Currently out-of-print)
An elegant translation of the Gospel of Thomas, and of the Apocryphon of John, the Gospel of Truth, and the Hymn of the Pearl, along with a useful introduction representing a modern Theosophical perspective.
Iain Gardner, The Kephalaia of the Teacher: The Edited Coptic Manichaean Texts in Translation with Commentary (Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1995). Buy the Book
Contains one of the best available and detailed introductory discussions of Manichaeism, along with an excellent translation of the Kephalaia, a collection of the "oral teachings of Mani to his disciples".
Werner Foerster, ed., Gnosis, A Selection of Gnostic Texts: II. Coptic and Mandean Sources (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1974). (Currently out-of-print)
The second part (pp. 125-296) contains a most valuable selection of writings of the Mandeans of Iraq. This volume is easier to obtain that other books on the Mandaeans..
Duncan Greenlees, The Gospel of the Gnostics (Adyar, Madras, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1958). (Currently out-of-print)
This volume appeared as Vol. 13 in the "World Gospel Series", and includes a superb selection of Gnostic writings, though published before and therefore excluding the Nag Hammadi scriptures. Includes a fine introduction, along with extended commentaries on the scriptures. Unfortunately, this work is long out of print and extremely hard to find.
Duncan Greenlees, The Gospel of the Prophet Mani (Adyar, Madras, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1958). (Currently out-of-print)
This appeared as Vol. 12 of the "World Gospel Series", and includes perhaps the most useful selection of Manichaean writings in print. Excellent introduction and commentaries. Unfortunately, this work is long out of print and extremely hard to find.
Hans-Joachim Klimkeit, Gnosis on the Silk Road: Gnostic Texts from Central Asia (San Francisco: Harper, 1993). (Currently out-of-print. Buy a Used Copy )
A useful brief introduction to Manichaeism, along with a large collection of beautiful Manichaean texts obtained from materials uncovered in Central Asia during the last century.
Bentley Layton, The Gnostic Scriptures (Garden City, NY: Doubleday & Co., 1987). Buy the Book
Outstanding translations with commentaries of some of the scriptures from the Nag Hammadi collection, along with a large number of quotations from and references to Gnostic sources by heresiological Church Fathers. An excellent, scholarly introduction to the study of Gnostic scriptures.
Violet MacDermot, The Fall of Sophia: A Gnostic Text on the Redemption of Universal Consciousness Buy the Book
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. (Pistis Sophia, the traditional title of this text, is taken from "the Books of the Savior" contained in the Askew codex. The G.R.S. Mead translation - listed below - still remains the more complete rendition of the text.)
G. R. S. Mead, Fragments of a Faith Forgotten: A Contribution to the Study of the Origins of Christianity (A reprint of the 1930 edition is currently available from Kessinger Publishing Company, P.O. Box 160, Kila, Montana, 59920). Buy the Book
Mead's superb exposition of virtually all Gnostic materials extant prior to the Nag Hammadi discovery.
G. R. S. Mead, Pistis Sophia: A Gnostic Miscellany (A reprint edition is currently available from Garber Communications, Spiritual Science Library, 5 Garber Road, Blautvelt, NY 10913). Buy the Book
The most readable translation of major portions of the Books of the Savior (Askew codex) with excerpts of related literature and valuable commentaries. The major source on Valentinian Sophiology.
Marvin Meyer, The Gospel of Thomas: The Hidden Sayings of Jesus (Harper San Francisco, 1992). Buy the Book
The latest translation of the most accessible of Gnostic scriptures. The translator's introduction, and an interpretive essay by Harold Bloom, serve as very useful entry points both for the study of this gospel and for Gnosticism in general.
Marvin W. Meyer, The Secret Teachings of Jesus: Four Gnostic Gospels (New York: Random House, 1984). Buy the Book
A fine, new translation of four texts from the Nag Hammadi collection: The Gospel of James; Gospel of Thomas; Book of Thomas; and Secret Book of John. Includes a useful introduction.
Robert J. Miller, ed, The Complete Gospels (San Francisco: Harper, 1994). Buy the Book
This is a nice collection of all extant "gospel" texts -- canonical, gnostic and other non-canonical writings -- in new translations. The introductions and notes are particularly clear and useful.
James M. Robinson, ed, The Nag Hammadi Library in English (New York: Harper & Row, 1977; revised edition, San Francisco: Harper, 1988). Buy the Book
The epochal translation of the entire Nag Hammadi Library, discovered in 1945. The revised 1988 edition lacks the index of the previous edition and contains an indifferent afterword.
Carl Schmidt, ed., Pistis Sophia (Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1978). Buy the Book
Useful alternative to Mead's more readable translation; accurate and scholarly.
Carl Schmidt, ed., The Books of Jeu and the Untitled Text in the Bruce Codex (Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1978). Buy the Book
The only available translation of the content of the Bruce Codex. The Books of Jeu are invaluable as sources of Gnostic theurgy. Unfortunately the translation of the words in the diagrams is the Books of Jeu are inadequate.
Andrew Welburn, Mani, the Angel and the Column of Glory: An Anthology of Manichean Texts (Ediburgh, Floris Books, 1998). Buy the Book
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 history of Manichean Gnosticism.
A BASIC GNOSTIC LIBRARY
These works represent several of the best texts from the above lists, ranging from introductory to advanced materials, and serve well as a basic library for Gnostic studies. All but one these works are in print and widely available at reasonable prices. (Visit the Bookstore for more information on books in print.)
Stephan A. Hoeller, Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing (Quest Books, 2002) Buy the Book
There has long been need for a comprehensive introductory guide to the Gnostic tradition. Hoeller supplies just such a book with this new offering. This delightful study gives clear voice to the essential message of Gnosticism; it is an invaluable introduction to the history and import of Gnosticism in the Western tradition.
Elaine Pagels, The Gnostic Gospels (New York: Random House, 1978). Buy the Book
The popular classic, introducing the Nag Hammadi scriptures and Gnosticism within a useful historical context. Perhaps the first major book to be free of the anti-Gnostic heresiological bias. (Presently widely available in paperback.)
Marvin Meyer, The Gospel of Thomas: The Hidden Sayings of Jesus (Harper San Francisco, 1992). Buy the Book
The latest translation of the most accessible of Gnostic scriptures. The translator's introduction, and an interpretive essay by Harold Bloom, serve as very useful entry points both for the study of this gospel and for Gnosticism in general.
June Singer, A Gnostic Book of Hours: Keys to Inner Wisdom (Nicolas Hays, March 2003)
Just republished! A delightful labor of love by a noted Jungian analyst and author. The text consists of Gnostic sacred texts (taken from the Nag Hammadi Library) arranged for reading in the cycle of an ancient monastic "book of hours". To each meditative text, a commentary of psychological and Gnostic inspiration is appended. This wonderful little work is an instrument for deepening of one's Gnosis -- and a wonderful introduction to the Gnostic scriptures found at Nag Hammadi.
James M. Robinson, ed, The Nag Hammadi Library in English (New York: Harper & Row, 1977; revised edition, San Francisco: Harper, 1988). Buy the Book
The epochal translation of the entire Nag Hammadi Library, discovered in 1945. The revised 1988 edition lacks the index of the previous edition and contains an indifferent afterword.
Bentley Layton, The Gnostic Scriptures (Garden City, NY: Doubleday & Co., 1987). Buy the Book
Outstanding translations with commentaries of some of the scriptures from the Nag Hammadi collection, along with a large number of quotations from and references to Gnostic sources by heresiological Church Fathers. An excellent, scholarly introduction to the study of Gnostic scriptures.
Kurt Rudolph, Gnosis: The Nature and History of Gnosticism (San Francisco, Harper & Row, 1983). Buy the Book
Detailed and scholarly exposition, equally valuable to scholar and lay-person. The author's point of view is objective and in the main uninfluenced by heresiological bias. Includes excellent documentation, and Mandaean materials obtained by the author in his personal research.
Giovanni Filoramo, A History of Gnosticism (Oxford and Cambridge, Mass.: Basil Blackwell, 1990). (Currently out-of-print Buy a Used Copy)
Excellent and sympathetic study of Gnosticism, including insightful exegeses of Gnostic scriptures. One of the best scholarly works available.
Compiled with critical notes by
+ Stephan A. Hoeller (Tau Stephanus)
Edited with revisions by Lance Owens