Title: one of the best in gnosticism
Review: As a Gnostic, it was a delight to read this book. Everything I knew and did not know, I found in detail in this book by Jonas.You will find the background on the history of Gnosticism in Alexandria; history on its development; the various contributors (e.g. Babylon, Syria, Greek), the various "systems of thought" (eg Valentinian) and their proponents; and a bit of philosophy on Metaphysics.The excerpts and quotations from ancient Gnostic sources like the Mandaeans tracts and Manichaean books are very helpful and exciting. It is well structured and very easy to follow!A disadvantage is that it tends to overlook the influence of ancient Egyptian mythology of the after-death (regarding the journey of the soul after death), which influeced Gnosticism profoundly! Also it does not mention the Cathars and Catharism. But this should detract nothing from the book, it is a classic and a masterpiece on Gnosticism!
Is this product review negative?