title: The Nag Hammadi Library: A Translation of the Gnostic Scriptures
author:  James M. Robinson 
description: "The Nag Hammadi Library is a priceless glimpse into a tumultous world of ideas with the potential to change today's views of religion, reality, and ourselves. Over three decades in preparation, it contains all the documents of the secret Gnostic writings from the time of Christ unearthed near the Egyptian town of Nag Hammadi. It is a work of major importance to everyone interested in Egypt, archaeology, the Bible, the evolution of Christianity, and the story of Western civilization. The Nag Hammadi Library includes a full account of the discovery of the Library, an English translation of each tractate, and a commentary by the editors and translators."
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  “Clear and luminous translations that capture the essence and poetic beauty of
  these iridescent texts. Essential Gnostic Scriptures
  
  
  provides further stepping-stones for seekers of wisdom and knowledge beyond
  the canonical testaments, or for those who are simply moved by great sacred
  poetry.”
  
  
  —Jeffrey Henderson, Editor, Loeb Classical Library
  
  
  “Fresh and remarkable readable translations of some of the most important
  gnostic books discovered in modern times, including the newly released Gospel
  of Judas. With its clear and up-to-date introduction to gnostics and their
  religion, Essential Gnostic Scriptures
  
  
  will be an invaluable resource for anyone interested in one of the most
  important religious movements of the ancient world.”
  
  
  —Bart D. Ehrman, author of Jesus, Interrupted
  
  
  and Lost Christianities
  
  
  
  
  
  ABOUT THE BOOK
  
  
  The people we’ve come to call gnostics were passionate advocates of the view
  that salvation comes through knowledge and personal exper