Gnostic Scriptures

A collection of extra-biblical scriptures written by the gnostics, updated with three ancient texts including the recently discovered Gospel of Judas “The one indispensable book for the understanding of Gnosis and Gnosticism.”—Harold Bloom This definitive introduction to the gnostic scriptures provides a crucial look at the theology, religious atmosphere, and literary traditions of ancient Christianity and Hellenistic Judaism. It provides authoritative translations of ancient texts from Greek, Latin, and Coptic, with introductions, bibliographies, and annotations. The texts are organized to reflect the history of gnosticism in the second through fourth century CE. This second edition provides updates throughout and adds three new ancient texts, including the recently discovered Gospel of Judas.

“The one indispensable book for the understanding of Gnosis and Gnosticism.”—Harold Bloom“Bentley Layton’s unparalleled collection puts together a range of ancient ‘gnostic’ writings nowhere else bound into a single volume. With David Brakke’s breathtaking translations of three new ancient documents, this book will be even more useful than the first edition.”—Nicola Denzey Lewis, author of Introduction to "Gnosticism"  “David Brakke has superbly updated Bentley Layton's Gnostic Scriptures, including new discoveries and reflecting continuing scholarship. The collection remains an indispensable resource for students and scholars of early Christianity.”— Harold W. Attridge, Yale University  “Bentley Layton’s Gnostic Scriptures has been a vade mecum for a generation of scholars and students; David Brakke’s important new edition will ensure its influence for the generation to come.“—Bart D. Ehrman, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill  

Bentley Layton is the Goff Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at Yale University. David Brakke is the Joe R. Engle Chair in the History of Christianity and Professor of History at the Ohio State University.