Cryptic
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.
From Voynich to the Angel Diaries, the Story of the World's Mysterious Manuscripts
Yale University Press, 2025
Media
Media appearances, talks, podcasts, and interviews about Cryptic.
History.com - Why the Voynich Manuscript May be the World's Most Mysterious Book, by Dave Roos. (May 27, 2025)
Reviews
“A richly illustrated guide that deftly leads you through a maze of historical mysteries, from angelic language to alchemical secrets. This ‘Meetings with Mysterious Manuscripts’ will take you down so many deeply intriguing rabbit holes that you might not find your way back to the daylight.”—Edward Brooke-Hitching, author of The Most Interesting Book in the World
“Stands out for being fully up to date with the latest information. Shaw provides a thoughtful and balanced analysis of the Voynich Manuscript in particular, without falling into the trap of adventurous speculation.”—René Zandbergen, author of The Voynich Manuscript: The World’s Most Mysterious and Esoteric Codex
“This is a masterfully written and compelling exploration of the Voynich manuscript and other enigmatic texts. An essential read for anyone interested in ciphers, secret languages, and the enduring Voynich mystery.”—Benedek Láng, author of The Rohonc Code
“Hugely enjoyable.”—Mathew Lyons, Broken Compass
Related articles
The Art Newspaper
- Voynich Manuscript scans reveal early decoding attempt (September 2024)
- Trove of coded letters written by an imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots are cracked (February 2023)
- Unknown history of 600-year-old, coded Voynich Manuscript revealed by researchers (January 2023)
- Lost star catalogue found hidden on the pages of a medieval manuscript (October 2022)
- The Voynich Manuscript's mysteries endure more than a century after its discovery (August 2022)
- Fascinated by the Voynich Manuscript? Here are some other mysterious texts you can decode (July 2021)
- The write stuff: new analysis on Dead Sea Scrolls sheds light on the scribes behind them (April 2021)
- Has Yale's mysterious Voynich Manuscript finally been deciphered? (June 2020)
SC Exhibitions
- John Dee at the Royal College of Physicians (May 2016)
See what else I have written on the topic
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