Gnosticism can be read about in many books. The Gnostic Society has their own Library in which everything about the Gnosticism can be learned or studied.
there is no scientific basis for Gnosticism or orthodox (mainstream) Christianity.
The opponents of Gnosticism were primarily early Christian leaders and theologians, such as Irenaeus and Tertullian. They argued against Gnosticism's belief in secret knowledge and its rejection of the material world, emphasizing instead the importance of orthodox Christian doctrine and the belief in a loving creator God.
Simon Magus
Gnosticism does not have a single founder as it emerged from diverse religious and philosophical influences in the ancient world. However, it is believed to have been shaped by various early Christian and Jewish sects, as well as elements of Hellenistic and Persian mysticism.
Pneuma
No book in the bible addresses Gnosticism, you are looking for Against Heresies as written by a father of the church, Irenaeus.
Test
Deirdre Joy Good has written: 'Reconstructing the tradition of Sophia in Gnostic literature' -- subject(s): Gnosticism, Wisdom (Gnosticism) 'Mariam, The Magdalen, And The Mother'
Ithamar Gruenwald has written: 'Messiah & Christos' 'From apocalypticism to Gnosticism' -- subject(s): Apocalyptic literature, Gnosticism, History and criticism, Judaism, Merkava in rabbinical literature, Mysticism
Mary Ann Donovan has written: 'Irenaeus' teaching on the unity of God, and his immediacy to the material world, in relation to Valentinian Gnosticism' -- subject(s): Gnosticism, Valentinians
Daniel L. Hoffman has written: 'The status of women and Gnosticism in Irenaeus and Tertullian' -- subject(s): Women in Christianity, Gnosticism, Social conditions, History, Women