Here are some I think need to be in everyones library. (some of the following assume a knowledge of Greek and Hebrew - if you have not begun to study these I recommend you do - oh yea, Aramaic, Latin, and German would not hurt either)
1. The Works of Aristotle (I have the Oxford edition, 2 vls)
2. Thomas Aquinas Summa - this can no be gotten in 6 beautiful volumes translated by the Benedictine brothers.
3. H. Bavinck's Reformed Dogmatics, 3 vols (the 4th is due out this month)
4. Good, single volumes commentaries - stay away from sets, as they are hint-or-miss.
5. Of course, Greek and Hebrew lexicons and Grammar
6. A reliable Latin dictionary
7. Paradise Lost by Milton - Norton's edition is excellent with great footnotes - it is amazing how this epic poem has shaped mush of western thought concerning the Enemy, a must read
8. A Good Bible Dictionary - The Anchor 6 vol. set is the standard today. This can be acquired on ebay usually for 20% off retail.
9. Several English translations: I recommend NASB, NRSV, NJKV (this is especially nice for OT poetry; I would stay away from the NIV; the ESV has not stood the test of time - in my opinion. I do have one with dust on it.
10. Oh yea, Plato's works.
11. A Reliable translation of Josephus.
12. If you are working in the OT, I would have a set of Targums - Collegeville press is putting out some really nice editions - these are important for hermeneutical reasons - it's always nice to see how the ancients read the text.
13. Serveal different systematic theologies along with Bavinck (so our thinking does not become to narrow and we think we have the pulse on the truth) - maybe a copy of the following: G. Ladd; W. Grudem's systematic theology (you can get this in the large [full] edition or the student edition);
14. Biblical Theology: Vos; B. Childs; OT Theology (2 vols): von rad.
15. A good text on textual criticism - OT/NT
I am convinced (probably obvious from the above list) we need more classic literature/theology that has stood the test of time; we are better off knowing how to think and read then letting someone else do it for us.
Ad Fontes
John
