Irish Biblical Apocrypha: Selected Texts in Translation

Ireland has a rich legacy of apocryphal material, which can be traced back in origin to the earliest centuries of Christianity in the island. Some of the writings are in Latin, but most have been handed down in vernacular translation. These writings in Irish form one of the richest collections of apocryphal material in any vernacular language.

Of this body of literature, some texts are straightforward Irish translations of well-known Latin writings. Others are translations of early, rare or little attested Apocrypha. Some have no known original, although they appear to be direct translations of some lost apocryphal work. Some are apocryphal writings, or sections of such writings, worked into a new Irish composition on biblical or world history. Still others are modifications of some apocryphal writing, combined with native Irish tradition. Further study of this literature promises new discoveries about the apocryphal texts, the origins and development of Christianity and the development of Irish cultural history.

Under the auspices of the Irish Biblical Association, the editors here have brought together in English translation the most important texts, bearing on both the Old and New Testaments, and fully representing the main kinds of Irish apocryphal literature. The translations and annotations are presented in accordance with the most up-to-date scholarly findings and will be a work of invaluable resource.