Cryptic
Regular price
€31.99
15th Century
A01=Garry J. Shaw
alchemy
Analysis
Author_Garry J. Shaw
Book history
Category=AKHM
Category=KNTP1
Category=NH
Category=NHDJ
Category=NHTB
Cipher
Cipher cosmology
Codes
Collector
Cosmology
Crypt
Cryptography
Drawings
eq_art-fashion-photography
eq_bestseller
eq_business-finance-law
eq_history
eq_isMigrated=1
eq_isMigrated=2
eq_nobargain
eq_non-fiction
Giovanni Fontana
Herb
Herbarium
Hildegard of Bingen
Hoax
John Dee
Library
magical signs
Medieval
Meteorology
meterology
Mystery
Nature
Renaissance
Script
secret scripts
Strange
Translation
Vellum
Voynich Manuscript
Yale
Zodiac
Product details
- ISBN 9780300266511
- Dimensions: 152 x 235mm
- Publication Date: 27 May 2025
- Publisher: Yale University Press
- Publication City/Country: US
- Product Form: Hardback
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An absorbing history of Europe’s nine most puzzling texts, including the biggest mystery of all: the Voynich Manuscript
Books can change the world. They can influence, entertain, transport, and enlighten. But across the centuries, authors have disguised their work with codes and ciphers, secret scripts and magical signs. What made these authors decide to keep their writings secret? What were they trying to hide?
Garry J. Shaw tells the stories of nine puzzling European texts. Shaw explores the unknown alphabet of the nun Hildegard of Bingen; the enciphered manuscripts of the prank-loving physician Giovanni Fontana; and the angel communications of the polymath John Dee. Along the way, we discover how the pioneers of science and medicine concealed their work, encounter demon magic and secret societies, and delve into the intricate symbolism of alchemists searching for the Philosopher’s Stone.
This highly enjoyable account takes readers on a fascinating journey through Europe’s most cryptic writings—and attempts to shed new light on the biggest mystery of all: the Voynich Manuscript.
Books can change the world. They can influence, entertain, transport, and enlighten. But across the centuries, authors have disguised their work with codes and ciphers, secret scripts and magical signs. What made these authors decide to keep their writings secret? What were they trying to hide?
Garry J. Shaw tells the stories of nine puzzling European texts. Shaw explores the unknown alphabet of the nun Hildegard of Bingen; the enciphered manuscripts of the prank-loving physician Giovanni Fontana; and the angel communications of the polymath John Dee. Along the way, we discover how the pioneers of science and medicine concealed their work, encounter demon magic and secret societies, and delve into the intricate symbolism of alchemists searching for the Philosopher’s Stone.
This highly enjoyable account takes readers on a fascinating journey through Europe’s most cryptic writings—and attempts to shed new light on the biggest mystery of all: the Voynich Manuscript.
Garry J. Shaw is an author and journalist, covering archaeology, history, world heritage, exhibitions, and travel. He is the author of several books, including The Story of Tutankhamun and The Egyptian Myths: A Guide to the Ancient Gods and Legends.
