Rating: 
Summary: An excellent reference
Review:
This is a book of more interest to scholars, perhaps, than to the general public. The Nag Hammadi library was discovered in the Egyptian desert, near Nag Hammadi, in 1945. The library was composed of scrolls buried by the Gnostics, who in the fourth century maintained a monastery nearby. They were contained in a buried clay jar, in an apparent attempt by Gnostic Christians to save them from destruction by the Constantinian Christians who had orders from the Christian Emperor, Constantine, to destroy all such writings as heresy, along with those who adhered to them.Over the nearly 2,000 years buried in the desert sand, time took its toll, and many of the scrolls were fragmentary as a result. Yet the 38 scholars who undertook the translation from the ancient Egyptian (coptic) in which they were written, did a magnificent job: not only translating, but also making commentaries comparing them to those gospels which Constantine's scholars considered canonical, and discarding all others as heretical. This volume is one of the results, with the various codices identified with the translators, and beginning with their commentaries. Other volumes of a similar nature, including two books by Dr. Elaine Pagels--one of the translators--"The Gnostic Gospels" and "Beyond Belief," are also available on Amazon. Dr. Pagels taught at Barnard College, where she chaired the Department of Religion, and Columbia University. She is currently professor of religion at Princeton. The Nag Hammadi Library consists of twelve codices as well as fragments of a thirteenth, and fifty-two separate tractates. A brief history of the effort to translate and edit the materials is included in the preface to this book. The struggle to eliminate the Gnostics and their ancient literature, by the Constantinian Christians (who prevailed and became the universally accepted Christianm church) was highly succesful, so much so that the only evidence of the Gnostic literature, for centuries, were the disparaging remarks in the writings of the orthodox authors referring to the heretics. Until the discovery of these scrolls, in 1945! For those who are interested in this subject matter, this is a most interesting book, and one you will wish to own. Joseph (Joe) Pierre
author of The Road to Damascus: Our Journey Through Eternity
and other books
Rating:
Summary: A MUST HAVE book for all spiritual persons...
Review: An excellent book with concise, yet fullfilling information on the translations and on the texts themselves. I highly recommend it - very highly indeed. Khrystene
Rating:
Summary: For the Scholar and Searcher
Review: For those individuals interested in the evolution of Christian thought, Gnosticism in particular, embarking on a major research project, simply curious about alternative perspectives on the teachings of Jesus Christ, this single volume of fourth-century manuscripts discovered in Egypt in 1945, is absolutely essential.
Gnostic thought has always been extremely controversial. Its history and various movements throughout the last millennium are fraught with mystery, censorship, intrigue and bloodshed. As some of the manuscripts pose an entirely different view of the Saviour and His teachings, most traditional Christians dismiss these books entirely. Interestingly, these books have been called "heretical"; taking the word heresy in the literal sense, meaning to take the position in opposition to the orthodoxy of the time, the Nag Hammadi texts are indeed heretical.
Throughout theological history, the teachings of the Gnostics, and our knowledge of them as a movement, has really only been provided by the "heresy-hunters", (the first Church Father, Irenaeus of Lyons, and his five book treatise, "Aversus Haereses", translated as, "Against Heresies", is the most noted) giving scholars a seriously one-sided perspective of Gnostic theology, practices and belief. It was only when the Nag Hammadi manuscripts were discovered in 1945 in Upper Egypt, and then painstakingly translated, that we have a greater insight into Gnostic belief, its history and practice.
This edition of the Library has been revised and expanded since it was first published in 1978. General editor, James M. Robinson's Introduction to this volume, in my view, is worth the price of the entire text. He provides for the scholar and curious reader a clear and concise history of these gospels, their at times dubious translations, and general explanation of the library as a whole.
The Nag Hammadi library also contains manuscripts or treatises other than religious traditions from the Judeo-Christian heritage. For example, "The Discourse on the Eighth and Ninth", is a previously unknown Hermetic text, that presents a fascinating dialogue between the deities Hermes Trismegistus and his son Tat. As Robinson points out, a number of texts contained in the library are debatable in terms of being truly Gnostic in nature, depending on the individual interpreter, and how they define Gnosticism. Personally, I'll leave that debate to the scholars, however, the text themselves make captivating reading.
Many hours have been spent reading the various manuscripts contained in this volume. It has taken a tremendous amount of energy and concentration on my part to gain an understanding of the spiritual message(s) that some of these texts provide. This is not a quick read, but a long process of study that for me, will continue for years to come. Having said that, this library is an absolute must as a reference, for any student of theology, Christian history, archaeology and antiquity in general. It is well worth the investment.
Rating: 
Summary: A difficult book for beginners
Review: I'll admit that I'm a beginner in the study of Gnosis, and over estimated myself when I ordered this book. After reading snippets of it, like I would the bible, I realized that I was nearly in over my head. This book is confusing. Many others who I've spoken to have advised that one reads many books about the Nag Hammadi findings before they read the actual findings. They couldn't be closer to the truth. Besides the fact that it's confusing, it's a common Gnostic belief that you must learn from a teacher before learning on your own. On that note, despite how useful this book is. I'd advise anyone, at all interested in the subject matter, to first look for books by Elaine Pagels and Stephan Hoeller, first to get an idea of what you can expect to actually be reading.
Rating: 
Summary: Literary Armageddon
Review: Nearly all knowledgeable Biblical scholars realize there have been a wide range of writings attributed to Jesus and his Apostles..... and that some of these were selected for compilation into the book that became known as the Bible.....and that some books have been removed from some versions of the Bible and others have been re-discovered in modern times.
The attention focused on Gnosticism by Dan Brown's DaVinci Code may be debatable, but the fact is that increased attention on academics tends to be predominately positive, so I welcome those with first-time or renewed interest. At least first-timers to Gnosticism are not pursuing the oh-so-popular legends of the Holy Grail, Bloodline of Christ, and Mary Magdalene.
This is great......I seldom quote other reviewers, but there is one reviewer of Pagels' books who confided that he had been a Jesuit candidate and had been required to study a wide range of texts but was never was told about the Nag Hamadi texts. He said:
"Now I know why. The Gospel of Thomas lays waste to the notion that Jesus was `the only begotten Son of God' and obviates the need for a formalized church when he says, `When your leaders tell you that God is in heaven, say rather, God is within you, and without you.' No wonder they suppressed this stuff! The Roman Catholic Church hasn't maintained itself as the oldest institution in the world by allowing individuals to have a clear channel to see the divinity within all of us: they need to put God in a bottle, label the bottle, put that bottle on an altar, build a church around that altar, put a sign over the door, and create rubricks and rituals to keep out the dis-believing riff-raff. Real `Us' versus `them' stuff, the polar opposite from `God is within You.' `My God is bigger than your God' the church(s)seem to say. And you can only get there through "my" door/denomination. But Jesus according to Thomas had it right: just keep it simple, and discover the indwelling Divinity `within you and without you.'"
Here are quickie reviews of what is being bought these days on the Gnostic Gospels and the lost books of the Bible in general:
The Lost Books of the Bible (0517277956) includes 26 apocryphal books from the first 400 years that were not included in the New Testament.
Marvin Meyers' The Secret Teachings of Jesus : Four Gnostic Gospels (0394744330 ) is a new translation without commentary of The Secret Book of James, The Gospel of Thomas, The Book of Thomas, and The Secret Book of John.
James M. Robinson's The Nag Hammadi Library in English : Revised Edition (0060669357) has been around 25 years now and is in 2nd edition. It has introductions to each of the 13 Nag Hammadi Codices and the Papyrus Berioinensis 8502.
The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English (0140278079) by Geza Vermes has selected works....a complete work is more difficult to achieve than the publisher's marketing concept indicates. His commentary generates strong reactions.
Elaine Pagels has 2 books (The Gnostic Gospels 0679724532 and Beyond Belief : The Secret Gospel of Thomas 0375501568) that have received considerable attention lately. For many, her work is controversial in that it is written for popular consumption and there is a strong modern interpretation. She does attempt to reinterpret ancient gender relationships in the light of modern feminist thinking. While this is a useful (and entertaining) aspect of college women's studies programs, it is not as unethical as some critics claim. As hard as they may try, all historians interpret the past in the context of the present. Obviously there is value in our attempts to re-interpret the past in the light of our own time.
If you want the full scholarly work it is W. Schneemelcher's 2 volume New Testament Apocrypha.
Rating:
Summary: Traducciones excelentes en formato práctico pero endeble
Review: The Nag Hammadi Library in English es la recopilación más práctica y manejable de los escritos de Nag hammadi que conozco. Publicada en un único tomo, no muy voluminoso, presenta todos los escritos de la biblioteca de Nag Hammadi clasificados en orden, es decir, según el códice en el que están contenidos y el lugar que ocupan dentro de ese códice, a diferencia del criterio que suelen seguir otras ediciones de los escritos de Nag Hammadi que prefieren clasificaciones de tipo temático o por géneros literarios (evangelios, cartas, tratados...). Para mí esa clasificación por orden es un acierto y a la postre resulta más fácil y comoda de manejar.
La calidad de esta edición está fuera de toda duda; sólo hay que ver la lista de autores o colaboradores, todos ellos conocidos y reputados especialistas en la materia, para darse cuenta de ello. Ciertamente, no creo que el editor general, J.M. Robinson, pudiera haber reunido un equipo mejor. Como los especialistas son de primera, el resultado del trabajo es extraordinario: las traducciones inglesas de los textos no sólo son sumamente fiables, sino también claras y de estilo sencillo, facilitando, en la medida de lo posible,la comprensión de muchos de los pasajes estos escritos, cuyos textos originales son de por si un tanto oscuros y dificiles. Desde luego, a comparación de otras ediciones de los escritos de Nag Hammadi en otras lenguas (por ej. en español), esta edición inglesa de Robinson me parece superior, mas lograda y clarificadora, y, por ello, más recomendable.
También me parece un acierto haber incluido en esta edición estudios introductorios, tanto sobre la biblioteca de Nag Hammadi en general, como sobre cada libro de la misma en particular. La introducción general de Robinson a la Biblioteca de Nag Hammadi es sencilla pero esta muy bien hecha. La misma valoración positiva se puede hacer de las introducciones especiales a cada escrito: son sencillas y breves (alguna que otra en exceso), pero ofrecen sintesis muy logradas y clarificadoras sobre el carácter y contenido de cada escrito. Lo único que se hecha en falta en cada una de estas introducciones es una bibliografia selectiva dirigida a orientar a aquellos que deseen profundizar más en el estudio de los escritos de Nag Hammadi.
Junto al dato negativo de la falta de bibliografias, hay otro todavía peor: la escasa calidad de la edición paperback. La pasta del libro es sumamente endeble, el papel de mala calidad y con olor; conservar el libro sin que se doble, estropee o deteriore es un auténtico problema. Parece una edición de usar y tirar. Ciertamente, HarperSanFrancisco no se ha esmerado mucho con este libro, y ello es una pena, porque una obra de gran calidad como esta merece otro cuidado y tratamiento, aún cuando se pretenda hacer con ella una edición económica. La falta de bibliografias, pero sobre todo la negligencia de HarperSanFrancisco a la hora de diseñar esta edición es la causa de que haya valorado este libro con 4 estrellas en vez de 5. Espero que HarperSaFrancisco tome nota de estos problemas para futuras ediciones, una de las cuales podría ser una edición de estudio que incluyese unas introducciones más amplias y detalladas, notas de diferente caracter (lingüístico, textos paralelos, exegético...) dentro de cada libro o escrito, bibliografias, tablas, etc. Una edición de estas características sería un recurso insustituible y maravilloso para cualquier estuidoso del cristianismo de los primeros siglos.
Rating:
Summary: English Translation of the review by J. ONA SAENZ (of Spain)
Review: The Nag Hammadi Library in English is the most practical and manageable compilation of the writings of Nag hammadi that I know. Published in an only volume, not very voluminous, it presents/displays all the writings of the library of Nag Hammadi classified in order, that is to say, according to the codex in which they are contained and the place that occupy within that codex, unlike the criterion which usually they follow other editions of the writings of Nag Hammadi which they prefer classifications of thematic type or by literary sorts (gospels, letters, treaties...). For me that classification by order is a success and in the end is easier to handle. The quality of this edition is beyond all doubt; it is only necessary to see the list of authors or collaborator, all of them specialistic knowing and reputing in the matter, to realize it. Certainly, I do not believe that the general publisher, J.M. Robinson, could better have done a better job. The specialists are of first class, the result of the work is extraordinary: the English translations of texts are not only extremely trustworthy, but also clear and of simple style, facilitating, as far as possible, the understanding of many of the passages these writings, whose original texts are in some cases somewhat dark and difficult. Of course, to compare with other editions of the Nag Hammadi in other languages (by ej. in Spanish), this English edition of Robinson seems superior, and very clearly written, and, for that reason, more recommendable to me. Also it seems to me that this volume is a successfull resource for introductory studies, a complete library of Nag Hammadi in general, and each book is treated well individually. The general introduction of Robinson to the Library of Nag Hammadi is simple but this done very well. The same positive valuation can be done of the special introductions to each writing: they are simple and brief (some in excess), but offer a very good synthesis and clarification on the character and content of each writing. The only thing that was lacking in each one of these writings was a bibliography, so that a person can selective direct and locate text when they wish to deepen their study of writings of Nag Hammadi. Next to the book lacking a bibliography, there is a more serious issue: the poor quality of the paperback edition. The binding of the book is extremely poor, the paper is also poor quality and has a smell; to conserve the book without it falling apart, spoiling or deteriorating is a real problem. It seems designed as a book to use and to throw away. Certainly, Harper of SanFrancisco did not take care when publishing this book, and it is painful, because a work of such great quality as this deserves better care and treatment. I realize they tried to make an economic edition, but the lack of bibliography, and more importantly the negligence of Harper in SanFrancisco at the time of designing this edition, is the reason why I rated this book with 4 stars instead of 5. I hope that Harper in SaFrancisco takes note of these problems for future editions, one of which could be an edition of study that included more complete and detailed introductions, parallel notes of different character (linguistic, texts, ex.) within each written book or, bibliographies, tables, etc. An edition of these characteristics would be an irreplaceable and wonderful resource for any student of Christianity of the first centuries.
Rating:
Summary: Now We Hear From The Other Side
Review: The Nag Hammadi Library is a collection of ancient religious texts which were discovered in Egypt in 1945. The people who collected and buried the library are believed to have been Gnostic Christians. The various scriptures are considered to be examples of texts used by them before Christianity achieved favored status during the reign of Constantine. James Robinson's book is divided into chapters which include English translations of individual scriptures plus discussions of each by noted biblical scholars. A table is also provided to show the appropriate identifications for the texts comprising the thirteen Nag Hammadi Codices and Papyrus Berolinensis 8502. Among the contributors are Elaine Pagels and Karen L. King. For supplementary reading I recommend especially THE GNOSTIC GOSPELS and BEYOND BELIEF by Pagels as well as THE GOSPEL OF MARY OF MAGDALA by King. I find the subject of Gnosticism to be extremely interesting and suspect that the study of it is just in its infancy. We know that Gnosticism is similar in some respects to primitive Christianity and various eastern religions. Gnosticism is also different in many ways from the orthodox Christianity which ultimately gained the upper hand in the fourth century.It is hard to overestimate the significance of Gnosticism.For anyone wishing to explore this topic, I believe that THE NAG HAMMADI LIBRARY is a good place to start the journey.
Rating:
Summary: Ancient Truths in Modern Times
Review: The Nag Hammadi Library is literally an unearthed treasure of wisdom and insight into the minds, thoughts, and beliefs of the fourth-century Gnostic Christians who were smart enough to bury the truth of their beliefs until it was time for humanity to be given their insight. The Gnostics themselves were ostracized for believing more in the inherent spiritual connection we all have, as we create heaven on Earth with the divine power of our own minds, place less emphasis on material gain, and more on our service to humanity. This book is a wonderful historical account of wisdom and enlightenment that anyone who is interested in receiving the wisdom from sixteen centuries ago will find as a most amazing read. Highly recommended for applying what you find as truth into your life today.
Barbara Rose, author of 'Individual Power' and 'If God Was Like Man'
Rating:
Summary: this book is aight
Review: The truth should be measured by what can be proven in a comparative analysis. So, the bible isnt any better than any other book.
I own the Nag Hammadi, but, I will not consider it a flawless book because it is different than other books that claim to be the correct path. The truth is something that is undeniable when compared to its objectives, men being created first has no validity when you look at the evidence, especially since, in the first three months all mammals are female. lol Notice how men put themselves above everything else, but yet, nature shows just the opposite, there is no evidence of a supreme god being a male, just as their is no evidence of a adam and eve ever existing, besides scientist have now discoverd why women were so revered in ancient matriarch societies, you dont need a sperm cell to make a female, once they discover how to manipulate the traits they will make a male. I think ppl get to caught up in wanting to believe in something so they would fall for whatever approves of their knowledge or what they can understand.
Racism is a male invention, polygamy is a male invention, women being 2nd class citizens, a male invention. So, how can anyone take everything a man write as the truth, its obvious that certain men, then and now, got a agenda for their methodical madness.
The Nag hammadi isnt touching on new ground, its just recycling old news. The old news is, men will always have a complex about reality and their place in it, me being a man as well, Im just glad I woke up from my ignorance, for the record there were a lot of men who were revolutionaries in ancient days, fighting against human ignorance, but, besides the bible, of those days, there is nothing written about a jesus or a yeshua ben yosef by famous authors of those times.
Sometime knowledge can be harmful, just read some of these reviews. lmao!
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