If you think what the world really needs right now is yet another Voynich theory, preferably one that’s been stewing in some guy’s head for more than a decade and that could well emerge in book form during the next twelve months, then please feel free to advance to the edge of your seat, because this is without any real doubt absolutely the right post for you.
(Everyone else can just get ready to shake their head while exhaling slowly and sadly, as per normal.)
And no, it’s not muralist and war artist Nicholas Gibbs’ wonky Latinistic theory I’m talking about here, and it’s not even Gerard Cheshire’s polyglottal mess, though I have little doubt that we will hear more Sturm Und Drang from these two self-proclaimed Voynich giants before too long.
Really, if the number of nutty Voynich Manuscript theory/manifestoes currently being promised is a measure of an idea’s currency, then right now the Voynich Manuscript’s stock – NASDAQ:VOYM, perhaps? – would seem to be trading at an all-time high.
Jim Handlin
So, does anyone here not too far from Woodstock want to spend eight dollars to hear about Jim Handlin’s decryption of the Voynich Manuscript (his talk is called “The Voynich Manuscript Dechipered [sic], Part 2“, because it followed an introductory talk by Handlin in the same venue the preceding month)? Then you might consider heading over to Mountain View Studio, 20 Mountain View Ave, Woodstock, NY 12498 on 9th December 2017 between 5pm and 6:30pm.
The event blurb tells us:
Emerging from a 12-year engagement within cryptic language uses in western civilization, Handlin’s solution — if verifiable — is a mind-blowing revelation at a nexus of Jewish and Coptic mysticism and alchemy. […]
But Handlin’s crack of the Voynich Manuscript came about (it says here) almost as a secondary thing:
In 2004, Handlin discovered an ancient code used to hide and protect a system of thought he believes goes back to the creation of the alphabet. He has spent the last twelve years working with that system, which he calls the Rotas Code, applying it to decipher antiquarian texts that have defied translation. Recently he has used the Rotas Code to translate the Word Squares in the Abramelin Manuscript (1459 CE) and has made significant progress in translating the contemporaneous Voynich Manuscript.
You probably already know whether or not you’re even remotely interested in what Handlin has to say, so I’ll end the post there. But just so you know, I’ll post separately about the Book of Abramelin, because that’s a genuinely interesting topic for another day (though not a cipher).
Let’s just say I’m looking forward to your post about this book of Abramelin and leave it at that 🙂
Although you got to admit Nick, there’s some kind of fun “what will they come up with now?” sensation whenever a new Voynich theory is oncoming.
I didn’t notice the misspelling at first, and thought “[sic]” was because “deciphered” was being used incorrectly. Though from your description, that’s not ruled out.
Nick,
I’m uncertain if you ever envision your readers’ reactions to your posts.. anyways, I couldn’t help to chuckle at reading the word “wonky” since a long time and following, to laugh out loud for noticing that right before I involuntarily did follow both your instructions, the one in the first paragraph, and also the one in parentheses 🙂
Oh man, I just watched the video. Apart from the fact that it never works as encryption, since he always turns the stencil anyway, would a semicircle have not been enough there?
If someone is looking for a new theory, I would have just one on reserve.
Just recently, the foundations of the cathedral on Greenland were laid bare. Imagine it was even a bishop’s seat.
In any case, there is now the possibility that the VM was written by an Inuit. 🙂
voynichbombe: as you guessed, I’m trying out a new hypnosis plugin for WordPress that helps me embed physical commands into posts. The next step is commanding readers to send me Swiss chocolates and Belgian beer. It’ll be just like, I don’t know, Christmas or something. 😉
@ Nick: So, canya wait until New Year’s Eve — just think of all those hangovers which you would evade. One or the other– I would suggest candy for Christmas or Hannukah — and beer and champagne for New Year’s Eve.
bd
Nick,
re “commanding readers to send me Swiss chocolates and Belgian beer”
– I hear and obey, wordpress Master. Kindly provide a postal address. 😀
D. Swiss chockies might work for some, however the difference between the good stuff made with cacao produced by child labour in The Congo and the phony Milka crap made in Berne is like chalk and cheese to those in the know. It’s also rather unfortunate that you’re a few days too late for the free Belgian beer from old Saint Nick and that’s a bloomin shame. What about a good wholesome Adelaide Cornish style pasty to perk you up, any time or season.
Following Hercule Poirot who always needs to insist that he rather is “belge”, I must insist that belgian chocolates are the best.
When it comes to beer, for the occasion I recommend Westmalle Tripel (handle with care). Now let me search for that hypno plugin..
john sanders: did you hear me calling Milka “chocolate”? I don’t think you did.
Those Adelaide pasties are to die for, I’m told by those in the know. 😉
voynichbombe: belgian or swiss, the eternal chocoholic dilemma. Though I personally tend to swing to the Alpen side, I might easily be persuaded to go to the dark (chocolate) side. Let’s just agree that it’s a good choice to be making, and that there’s plenty to be admired in both options. 🙂