William Hone

Rediscovered in modern times, these "non-canonical" gospels, epistles, and other pieces were excised from the standard Bible by various church councils in the first four centuries of the Christian era. Here, among other texts, are writings describing the girlhood and betrothal of Mary and her life before Christ's birth; the childhood of Jesus, as described by Peter and Nicodemus; and the appearance of Christ before the gates of Hell, from whence he...