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James M. Robinson

The Nag Hammadi Library Paperback – November 21, 1990

by James M. Robinson (Author)

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There is a newer edition of this item:

The Nag Hammadi Scriptures: The Revised and Updated Translation of Sacred Gnostic Texts Complete in One Volume
$21.77
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This revised, expanded, and updated edition of The Nag Hammadi Library is the only complete, one-volume, modern language version of the renowned library of fourth-century manuscripts discovered in Egypt in 1945.

First published in 1978, The Nag Hammadi Library launched modern Gnostic studies and exposed a movement whose teachings are in many ways as relevant today as they were sixteen centuries ago.

James M. Robinson's updated introduction reflects ten years of additional research and editorial and critical work. An afterword by Richard Smith discusses the modern relevance of Gnosticism and its influence on such writers as Voltaire, Blake, Melville, Yeats, Kerouac, and Philip K. Dick.

Acclaimed by scholars and general readers alike, The Nag Hammadi Library is a work of major importance to everyone interested in the evolution of Christianity, the Bible, archaeology, and the story of Western civilization.

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The Nag Hammadi Library was discovered in 1945 buried in a large stone jar in the desert outside the modern Egyptian city of Nag Hammadi. It is a collection of religious and philosophic texts gathered and translated into Coptic by fourth-century Gnostic Christians and translated into English by dozens of highly reputable experts. First published in 1978, this is the revised 1988 edition supported by illuminating introductions to each document. The library itself is a diverse collection of texts that the Gnostics considered to be related to their heretical philosophy in some way. There are 45 separate titles, including a Coptic translation from the Greek of two well-known works: the Gospel of Thomas, attributed to Jesus' brother Judas, and Plato's Republic. The word gnosis is defined as "the immediate knowledge of spiritual truth." This doomed radical sect believed in being here now--withdrawing from the contamination of society and materiality--and that heaven is an internal state, not some place above the clouds. That this collection has resurfaced at this historical juncture is more than likely no coincidence. --P. Randall Cohan

About the Author

James M. Robinson, consultant for this collection, is widely known for his groundbreaking contribution as the permanent secretary of UNESCO's International Committee for the Nag Hammadi codices, and his many published works on Gnostic texts and the Sayings Gospel Q.

Product details

Publisher : HarperOne; Reprint edition (November 21, 1990)
Language : English
Paperback : 576 pages
ISBN-10 : 0060669357
ISBN-13 : 978-0060669355
Item Weight : 1.8 pounds
Dimensions : 6.25 x 1.5 x 9.25 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #449,654 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #118 in Gnosticism (Books)
- #955 in Religion Encyclopedias
- #2,911 in History of Christianity (Books)

Customer Reviews:
182 ratings

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5 star		71%
4 star		15%
3 star		9%
2 star		4%
1 star		1%

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Amazon Customer

Love it, a great spiritual read

Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2018

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For anyone who is sitting on the fence wondering if this is readable for the layperson, worry no more. It is completely readable. I've thus far read the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Paul. They were both very enlightening. I've already read several verses I've heard repeated time and time again that I knew for a fact were not in the KJV bible. Well, here they are. I also purchased a book with just the Gospel of Thomas years ago and it was very difficult to read. This one is not at all difficult.

I had waffled between this version of the Nag Hammadi and the one edited by Meyer. I'm so glad I got this version. Maybe next year I'll get Meyer's version but when I heard how severely it was edited and abridged, I wanted to read it unabridged first. So glad I did.

21 people found this helpful

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This revision is the definitive version of the Nag Hamaddi ...

Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2018

Verified Purchase

This revision is the definitive version of the Nag Hammadi Library. Irrespective of other reviews, this version, which I acquired in the late 1990s, correctly refers to such works as the supremely important Trimorphic Protennoia accordingly. The new editors decided to mish-mash the works and refer to this extremely important treatise as "The Three Forms of First Thought." I believe they even rid the Apocryphon of John of one of its most key terms: Epinoia. Do yourself a favor and avoid the newer edition. Even if Robinson's version costs a bit more, it's well worth every cent.

21 people found this helpful

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COLTOJTop Contributor: Pets

Intense but worth the time

Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2015

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This is a difficult book for certain. I acquired it in the mid 90s and have read it from time to time. But here is the secret to understanding these writings: One must diligently study the Scriptures. All of it. not just the NT, but ALL of it. And not just light reading. DEEP study. I won't comment on the writings of those who were not disciples of Jesus. But those that were authored by Thomas, John, Philip, etc. Are worthy of reading and studying. Especially the Secret Book of John. But to do it properly, the first time reading must be done as casual with no expectations at all.
Then go back and read the Bible. Then pray before reading these Gnostic books again. It is the back and forth between Scripture and the Gnostics that works. This of course takes time which most people don't have but it is the only way to fully understand these writings and the words of Jesus Himself.

I'd also like to add that a comment from another mentioned needing a teacher first. The Bible itself and the blessing of wisdom, discernment and understanding as the gifts of the Holy Spirit, along with the a sincerely tenacious heart to seek out these things will teach along the way. Not all of us can know someone who is well versed in these writings and if we do, would they have the time to spend with us? God made a way and Jesus told us that He would send the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. There--- is your Teacher.

44 people found this helpful

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Gene

Must have

Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2020

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Using this material it amazes me at the poor scholarship Dan Brown chose for his book Da Vinci Code. I realize it is fiction but the he states he used scholars. Pitiful. They nothing about Gnosticism. The quotes from Gnostic sources was wrong almost 100% of the time. Always read primary sources yourself.

2 people found this helpful

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Christopher I.

Essential Revealed Word

Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2018

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The next revelation after the Bible, Koran, Book of Mormon and Dead Sea Scrolls. Essential to taking your spirituality to the next level closer to divinity.

7 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

Older Version

Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2020

Verified Purchase

Older version but still great. There is a newer "international" version available from another group of authors that includes their updated opinions on each document. I have both versions.

One person found this helpful

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J. Jones

I like a newer volume of these texts.

Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2008

Verified Purchase

I've had this book for some years. I've enjoyed it.

I recently saw that a newer collection has come out. This older NHL came out in 1988/90, and perhaps it was as definitive as definitive gets back then, but when I saw that Marvin Meyer has editted "The Nag Hammadi Scriptures, The International Version" published in 2007, I decided to check it out.

I prefer Meyer's volume. I believe it shows that progress has been made in translating and interpreting these texts in the nearly 20 years between the dates of publication of these two books.

The texts in the Meyer volume are easier to read and understand. The Gospel of Judas is included. (It was still rotting away on the black market when this Robinson volume was published.) There are copious footnotes explaining translation issues and adding information on interpretation. The introductory essays are more informative. And it's a nice hardbound volume, on decent paper, with really nice layout of the texts.

The Nag Hammadi writings are not the easiest to get inside of. The newer volume makes it much easier to read and understand them.

25 people found this helpful

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Amy L Priest

Fascinating and must read!

Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2014

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Excellent shape, unbeatable price. A comprehensive translation of the Nag Hammadi gospels, without any of the usual "opinions" or "expert ideas on meaning" that occompany many of my other books. This book is just a thorough translation, letting the reader decide for themselves the meaning just like any other religious text. For anyone who is curious in studying any and all Theological texts, a must read.

11 people found this helpful

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E. L. Wisty

Showing its age now

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 10, 2011

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This edition of the complete Nag Hammadi corpus in an English translation has served me well for many years, but I would recommend considering instead one (or both!) of two newer publications which are considerably better, namely The Nag Hammadi Scriptures: The Revised and Updated Translation of Sacred Gnostic Texts Complete in One Volume , and also The Gnostic Scriptures: A New Translation with Annotations and Introductions . Both of them are much more readable and useful than this edition. It's really no contest; this book is showing its age now.

13 people found this helpful

Rev. T. J. Carter

Gnostic Gospels

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 28, 2014

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The Nag Hammadi Library in English offers a translation from the Coptic of gospels and other writings which did not find their way into our Bible (The Canon of Scriptures) These writings are Platonic and heavily influenced by Greek thought. It opened up 'a new world' to me.

R D RUDD

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 9, 2017

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Excellent quality and value Thankyou

Christopher Bond

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 12, 2014

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As described. Delivered promptly and on time. Thank you.

Steve Davies

Four Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 5, 2015

Verified Purchase

Great !

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