Coherence of "Gnosticism"

¿Gnosticism¿ has become a problematic category in the study of early Christianity. The present work seeks to make a fresh start in this field. It concentrates on Irenaeus¿ report on a specific group called the ¿Gnostics¿ and on his claim that Valentinus and his followers were inspired by their ideas. Following this lead, an attempt is made to trace the continuity of ideas from this group to Valentinianism.