Table of Contents

Introduction

The Earliest Gnostic Teachers

"Sethian" or Classic Gnosticism

The Gnostic Gospels

Basilides and Gnosticism

Valentinus and Gnosticism

"Three-Principle" Systems

Coptic Gnostic Writings of Uncertain Affiliation

Hermes Trismegistus and Hermetic Gnosis

Mani and Manichaeism

The Mandaeans: Surviving Relic of Ancient GnosisEpilogue: The Persistence of Gnosticism

About the Author

Birger A Pearson is Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at the University of California, USA and a leading expert on Gnosticism.