Cryptic: From Voynich to the Angel Diaries, the Story of the World's Mysterious Manuscripts [Hardcover]

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.Languages ability both to reveal and to conceal is at the heart of this engrossing history.New Yorker

Named aNew YorkerBest Book of 2025

“Eminently worth reading.”—Jerry Glover,Fortean Times

“Hugely enjoyable.”—Mathew Lyons,Broken Compass

“Instead of trying to crack any codes, Shaw sets himself the enticing task of revisiting the times in which these manuscripts were made, posing the question ‘why?’ The result is this nimble, intriguing and excellently researched book.”—Unseen Histories

“A richly illustrated guide that deftly leads you through a maze of historical mysteries, from angelic language to alchemical secrets. This ‘Meetings with MylÃ+