One of the most mysterious texts in the world lives here in Connecticut. The Medieval Voynich Manuscript is at the Beinecke Library at Yale University. Scholars have been trying for over a century to decipher it. This hour, we look at the Voynich and at other examples of mysterious manuscripts from around the world.

GUESTS:

Lisa Fagin Davis: Professor of Practice in Manuscript Studies at the Simmons University School of Library and Information Science and Executive Director of the Medieval Academy of America
Garry J. Shaw: Author and journalist covering archaeology, history, and world heritage. His newest book is Cryptic: From Voynich to the Angel Diaries, the Story of the World's Mysterious Manuscripts
David Weinberg: Podcast producer and writer. He is lead instructor for the Transom Traveling Workshops. He formerly worked at Marketplace and KCRW. He produced an episode about "Louie Louie" for the podcast Lost Notes

MUSIC FEATURED (in order):

Lost in Translation – The Neighbourhood
Columba aspexit, BN 54 – Christopher Page, Emma Kirkby, Gothic Voices
Secret Messages – Juliana Hatfield
The Book of Love – Mike Doughty
The Philosopher’s Stone – Van Morrison
Louie, Louie – The Kingsmen
Louie, Louie – The Sandpipers

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Colin McEnroe and Dylan Reyes contributed to this show, which originally aired on October 29, 2025.

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