The reading list is arranged in four catagories: Introductory Readings, Intermediate Readings, Advanced Readings, and Editions of Gnostic Scriptures. Finally, we have selected several books from the lists which might form the core of an initial reading program and Basic Gnostic Library. This is by no means a comprehensive bibliography of works on Gnosticism; it is intended simply as a guide to readers seeking books that merit attention. The majority of these books are in print, most will be available at a university library; a few are out of print and unfortunately difficult to find even in a good library.

Stuart Holroyd, The Elements of Gnosticism, (Shaftesbury, Dorset, England and Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1994).

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).

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, The Gnostic Gospels (New York: Random House, 1978).

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).

A small coffee table book, attractively illustrated in color, with a mildly sympathetic treatment of the subject. Brief but informative.

Tobias Churton, The Gnostics (London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1987).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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: The Message of the Alien God (Boston: Beacon, 1963).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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.)

E. C. Blackman, Marcion and His Influence, (London: APGK, 1948; reprinted New York: Ames Press, 1978).

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).

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).

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)

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).

Several valuable studies, primarily concerning the Nag Hammadi collection of Gnostic scriptures, by fourteen noted scholars of this field.

Karen L. King, ed., Images of the Feminine in Gnosticism (Philadelphia, Penn.: Fortress Press, 1988).

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.

C. W. King, The Gnostics and Their Remains, Ancient and Medieval (reprinted San Diego: Wizards Bookshelf, 1982).

A classic nineteenth-century work, depicting and explaining primarily items of talismanic art of the Gnostic tradition.

Hans-Joachim Klimkeit, Gnosis on the Silk Road: Gnostic Texts from Central Asia (San Francisco: Harper, 1993)

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).

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).

A collection of Lieu's essays, most highly specialized in nature, which complement his previous work, Manichaeism in the Late Roman Empire.

Elaine H. Pagels, The Johannine Gospel in Gnostic Exegesis: Heracleon's Commentary on John (Nashville and New York: Abingdon Press, 1973).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

A collection of essays focusing on the differences between Neoplatonism and Gnosticism. Primarily of technical interest to students of this particular subject.

(Editor unnamed), The Gospel According to Thomas: with complimentary texts (Santa Barbara: Concord Grove Press, 1983).

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)

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)

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).

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).

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)

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).

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.

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)

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).

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).

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).

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.

James M. Robinson, ed, The Nag Hammadi Library in English (New York: Harper & Row, 1977; revised edition, San Francisco: Harper, 1988).

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)

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)

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.

Stuart Holroyd, The Elements of Gnosticism, (Shaftesbury, Dorset, England and Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1994).

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.)

Elaine Pagels, The Gnostic Gospels (New York: Random House, 1978).

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).

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 (San Francisco: Harper, 1992).

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.

James M. Robinson, ed, The Nag Hammadi Library in English (New York: Harper & Row, 1977; revised edition, San Francisco: Harper, 1988).

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).

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).

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).

Excellent and sympathetic study of Gnosticism, including insightful exegeses of Gnostic scriptures. One of the best scholarly works available.