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The Gnostic Gospels
by Pagels, Elaine
- Used
- Hardcover
- first
- Condition
- Very Good+/Near Fine
- ISBN 10
- 0394502787
- ISBN 13
- 9780394502786
- Seller
-
dallas, Texas, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
New York: Random House, 1979. First Edition/First Printing . Hardcover. Very Good+/Near Fine. Stated first edition. Bit of page edge soil, else sharp and tight. Very brief owner name.
Synopsis
The Gnostic Gospels is a landmark study of the long-buried roots of Christianity, a work of luminous scholarship and wide popular appeal. First published in 1979 to critical acclaim, winning the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award, The Gnostic Gospels has continued to grow in reputation and influence over the past two decades. It is now widely recognized as one of the most brilliant and accessible histories of early Christian spirituality published in our time.In 1945 an Egyptian peasant unearthed what proved to be the Gnostic Gospels, thirteen papyrus volumes that expounded a radically different view of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ from that of the New Testament. In this spellbinding book, renowned religious scholar Elaine Pagels elucidates the mysteries and meanings of these sacred texts both in the world of the first Christians and in the context of Christianity today.With insight and passion, Pagels explores a remarkable range of recently discovered gospels, including the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, to show how a variety of "Christianities" emerged at a time of extraordinary spiritual upheaval. Some Christians questioned the need for clergy and church doctrine, and taught that the divine could be discovered through spiritual search. Many others, like Buddhists and Hindus, sought enlightenment--and access to God--within. Such explorations raised questions: Was the resurrection to be understood symbolically and not literally? Was God to be envisioned only in masculine form, or feminine as well? Was martyrdom a necessary--or worthy--expression of faith? These early Christians dared to ask questions that orthodox Christians later suppressed--and their explorations led to profoundly different visions of Jesus and his message. Brilliant, provocative, and stunning in its implications, The Gnostic Gospels is a radical, eloquent reconsideration of the origins of the Christian faith.
Reviews
On Sep 20 2014, a reader said:
Pagels has a rare combination of writing talent and understanding of the Gnostic literary heritage. She is able to bring together traditional Biblical literature and the recent finds such as the manuscripts of Nag Hammadi. To do this and to stimulate reader imagination and interest is a great accomplishment.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Craig Hokenson Bookseller
(US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 42527
- Title
- The Gnostic Gospels
- Author
- Pagels, Elaine
- Format/Binding
- Hardcover
- Book Condition
- Used - Very Good+
- Jacket Condition
- Near Fine
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Edition
- First Edition/First Printing
- ISBN 10
- 0394502787
- ISBN 13
- 9780394502786
- Publisher
- Random House
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Date Published
- 1979
- Bookseller catalogs
- MODERN FIRST EDITIONS;
Terms of Sale
Craig Hokenson Bookseller
30 day return guarantee, with full refund including shipping costs for up to 30 days after delivery if an item arrives misdescribed or damaged.
About the Seller
Craig Hokenson Bookseller
Biblio member since 2008
dallas, Texas
About Craig Hokenson Bookseller
I am internet based, and participate in several book shows a year. Visitors welcome by appointment. I specialize in modern first editions, but offer a wide range of books. I have been buying and selling books for 20 years. I buy books, and will certainly consider trades. Member of the Texas Booksellers Association.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- First Edition
- In book collecting, the first edition is the earliest published form of a book. A book may have more than one first edition in...
- Fine
- A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the...
- Tight
- Used to mean that the binding of a book has not been overly loosened by frequent use.
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