Forgotten Gospels

Today, we take the texts of the New Testament as if they are set in stone.

But there was much discussion and disagreement among early Christians about what writings should be included, what rejected - often for reasons more political than religious.

This groundbreaking book will set the record straight.

Here are texts newly translated from their original Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Slavonic and Coptic and accompanied by clear, concise explanations of their origins and relevance.

Together, they form a supplement to the New Testament that will set the record straight.

The materials have survived in fragments and snippets, some only discovered in modern times (the "Gospel of Thomas" turned up in 1945), others via the writings of early Christians.

Many will challenge - the gospel of the Hebrews introduces an alternative account of the resurrection; Clement of Alexandria writes of and quotes from a secret gospel of Mark - all will be of intense interest.

No text of any consequence from the earlier period relating to the historical Jesus has been omitted.

They provide one last, unexpected window onto his life and teachings.