Presented here are two volumes of apocryphal writings reflecting the life and time of the Old and New Testaments. Stories told by contemporary fiction writers of historical Bible times in fascinating and beautiful style.

2020 Reprint of 1926 Editions. Full facsimile of the original editions and not reproduced with Optical Recognition software. This edition includes two titles published into one bound volume. Rutherford Hayes Platt, in the preface to his 1963 reprint of this work, states: "First issued in 1926, this is the most popular collection of apocryphal and pseudepigraphal literature ever published." The translations were first published, under this title, by an unknown editor in The Lost Books of the Bible Cleveland 1926, but the translations had previously been published many times. The book is, essentially, a combined reprint of earlier works. The first half, Lost Books of the Bible, covers the New Testament. The second half of the book, The Forgotten Books of Eden, includes a translation originally published in 1882 of the "First and Second Books of Adam and Eve", translated first from ancient Ethiopic to German and then into English by Solomon Caesar Malan, and a number of items of Old Testament pseudepigrapha, such as reprinted in the second volume of R.H. Charles's Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament (Oxford, 1913).

Waiting to be rediscovered in the British Library is an ancient manuscript of the early Church, copied by an anonymous monk. The manuscript is at least 1,450 years old, possibly dating to the first century. And now, The Lost Gospel provides the first ever translation from Syriac into English of this unique document that tells the inside story of Jesus’ social, family, and political life.The Lost Gospel takes the reader on an unparalleled historical adventure through a paradigm shifting manuscript. What the authors eventually discover is as astounding as it is surprising: the confirmation of Jesus’ marriage to Mary Magdalene; the names of their two children; the towering presence of Mary Magdalene; a previously unknown plot on Jesus’ life (thirteen years prior to the crucifixion); an assassination attempt against Mary Magdalene and their children; Jesus’ connection to political figures at the highest level of the Roman Empire; and a religious movement that antedates that of Paul—the Church of Mary Magdalene.Part historical detective story, part modern adventure, The Lost Gospel reveals secrets that have been hiding in plain sight for millennia.

This is the extended and annotated edition including * an extensive annotation of more than 5.000 words about the history and evolution of the book we call 'The Bible' This volume contains all the Gospels, Epistles and other pieces that were attributed in the first four centuries to Jesus Christ and his companions. Contents: The History of The Bible The Lost Books of The Bible INTRODUCTION TO THE LOST BOOKS OF THE BIBLE PREFACE The GOSPEL OF THE BIRTH OF MARY The PROTEVANGELION The First Gospel of the Infancy of Jesus Christ Thomas's Gospel of the Infancy of Jesus Christ The Epistles of Jesus Christ and Abgarus, King of Edessa The Gospel of Nicodemus The Apostles' Creed. The Epistle of Paul, The Apostle of the Laodiceans The Epistle of Pau the Apostle to Seneca, with Seneca's to Paul The Acts of Paul and Thecla The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians The Second Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians The General Epistle of Barnabas The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians, of the Ephesians to Ignatius The Epistle of Ignatius to the Magnesians The Epistle of Ignatius to the Trallians The Epistle of Ignatius to the Romans The Epistle of Ignatius to the Philadelphians The Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans The Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians The Shepherd of Hermas The Second Book of Hermas, called his Commands. The Third Book of Hermas, which is called his Similitudes. Letters Of Herod And Pilate. Connecting Roman History With The Death Of Christ At Jerusalem. Letter Of Herod To Pilate The Governor. Letter Of Pilate To Herod. The Epistle Of Pontius Pilate, Which He Wrote To The Roman Emperor Concerning Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Report Of Pilate The Governor, Concerning Our Lord Jesus Christ; Which Was Sent To Augustus Caesar, In Rome. The Report Of Pontius Pilate, Governor Of Judea; The Trial And Condemnation Of Pilate. The Death Of Pilate,Who Condemned Jesus. The Lost Gospel According To Peter

The First Book of Adam and Eve, written by Rutherford Platt, is a deeply impactful and thought-provoking work that offers a unique perspective on the beginning of humanity. This book delves into the story of Adam and Eve, the first humans created by God in the Garden of Eden, as told in the Book of Genesis. However, unlike traditional interpretations, Platt’s retelling of this biblical tale explores the inner thoughts and emotions of these iconic figures, giving readers a deeper understanding of their actions and the consequences of their choices. Platt’s writing style is captivating and engaging, drawing readers into the world of Adam and Eve and allowing them to experience their journey firsthand. Through vivid descriptions and richly detailed imagery, we are transported to the idyllic setting of the Garden of Eden and can almost feel the warm sun on our skin and smell the sweet scents of the fruit trees. But as the story progresses and Adam and Eve face challenges and temptations, the tone shifts to one of tension and uncertainty, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. One of the most striking aspects of this book is the way in which it humanizes Adam and Eve. Rather than being seen as perfect and faultless beings, they are portrayed as complex individuals with flaws and doubts, making their story relatable and relevant to modern-day readers. Platt’s portrayal of Eve, in particular, challenges traditional views of her as the temptress who caused the downfall of humanity. Instead, she is depicted as a strong and independent woman who is curious and eager to learn, but also vulnerable and struggling to find her place in the world. In addition to its literary merits, The First Book of Adam and Eve also offers a wealth of educational value. Not only does it provide a fascinating retelling of a well-known biblical story, but it also raises important questions and prompts critical thinking about the nature of God, humanity, and the relationship between the two. By going beyond the surface level of the biblical account, Platt encourages readers to delve deeper and examine the moral and philosophical implications of this ancient tale. Overall, The First Book of Adam and Eve is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the biblical story of creation in a fresh and thought-provoking way. Platt’s masterful storytelling and insightful commentary make this book an invaluable resource for educators and students alike, offering a unique perspective on a foundational story of the Judeo-Christian tradition. It is a timeless work that will continue to inspire and challenge readers for generations to come.

Presents the original teachings of Jesus written by his contemporaries and early followers

Ancient scriptures, hidden from the world for centuries, have recently attracted unprecedented popular attention. Some were found among the ancient library of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Others include assorted mystical writings known as Kabbalah, and a host of books that never made it into the Bible, called Apocrypha (which means "hidden") and the Pseudepigrapha (called "false writings" by those who suppressed them). Additionally, there are the Gnostic texts of Nag Hammadi -- a location in Egypt where a treasure trove of lost books was discovered in the middle of the twentieth century. Collectively, they comprise the "Lost Bible." For centuries, these manuscripts were systematically suppressed because their liberating messages of individual power and worth challenged the authority and pet philosophies of political and religious leaders.

One man’s quest to find the oldest Bible scrolls in the world and uncover the story of the brilliant, doomed antiquarian accused of forging them. In the summer of 1883, Moses Wilhelm Shapira—archaeological treasure hunter and inveterate social climber—showed up unannounced in London claiming to have discovered the oldest copy of the Bible in the world. But before the museum could pony up his £1 million asking price for the scrolls—which discovery called into question the divine authorship of the scriptures—Shapira’s nemesis, the French archaeologist Charles Clermont-Ganneau, denounced the manuscripts, turning the public against him. Distraught over this humiliating public rebuke, Shapira fled to the Netherlands and committed suicide. Then, in 1947 the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Noting the similarities between these and Shapira’s scrolls, scholars made efforts to re-examine Shapira’s case, but it was too late: the primary piece of evidence, the parchment scrolls themselves had mysteriously vanished. Tigay, journalist and son of a renowned Biblical scholar, was galvanized by this peculiar story and this indecipherable man, and became determined to find the scrolls. He sets out on a quest that takes him to Australia, England, Holland, Germany where he meets Shapira’s still aggrieved descendants and Jerusalem where Shapira is still referred to in the present tense as a “Naughty boy”. He wades into museum storerooms, musty English attics, and even the Jordanian gorge where the scrolls were said to have been found all in a tireless effort to uncover the truth about the scrolls and about Shapira, himself. At once historical drama and modern-day mystery, The Lost Book of Moses explores the nineteenth-century disappearance of Shapira’s scrolls and Tigay's globetrotting hunt for the ancient manuscript. As it follows Tigay’s trail to the truth, the book brings to light a flamboyant, romantic, devious, and ultimately tragic personality in a story that vibrates with the suspense of a classic detective tale.

The Lost Bible presents a fascinating selection of sacred Jewish and Christian texts excluded from the Old and New Testaments by their compilers--unofficial scriptures that present alternative versions of Biblical characters and events.