A Dictionary of Gnosticism [Paperback]

A Dictionary of Gnosticismis a scholarly yet accessible guide that covers the people, mythology, movements, scripture, and technical terms related to this pre-Christian Western religion. It contains nearly 1700 entries, from Aachiaram, an angel in the Secret Book of John to Zostrianos, a third-century Gnostic text, and is a reliable reference for the Nag Hammadi library and other Gnostic texts. An introduction explains who the Gnostics were and provides a whirlwind tour through the history of this captivating movement.

This book is the answer to the prayers of students and practitioners of Gnosticism from far and wide. Andrew Phillip Smith has given us a readable, informative and accurate compendium of words, names and concepts of Gnostic interest that will be welcomed and used abundantly.

—Dr. Stephan A. Hoeller, Bishop of the Ecclesia Gnostica and author ofGnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing


Not only is this an excellent aid for anyone trying to make sense out of the complicated cosmologies and scriptures of the ancient Gnostics, but it also provides an overview of gnostic movements and mystics down through the centuries.

—Jay Kinney, author ofThe Masonic MythandThe Inner West

A long-awaited and indispensable grammar of classical Gnosticism – essential for any serious student, and a practical gem for the curious.

—Jordan Stratford, author ofLiving Gnosticism

More than a dictionary for reference and research, this book is an index of ideas and suggestions. Readers interested in Gnosticism and related alternative religions of earlier times will find a whole host of new ideas and leads and directions for further inquiry. Think of the book as a thousand starting points for your explorations into spiritual unknowns!

—Stevan Davies, Professor of Religious Studies, Misericordia Universil%