Cracking the code of a mysterious manuscript

By Elizabeth Taylor and Staff Reports

PUBLISHED: July 31, 2005 at 1:00 AM CDT | UPDATED: August 22, 2021 at 6:26 PM CDT

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Friar and the Cipher: Roger Bacon and the Unsolved Mystery of the Most Unusual Manuscript in the World

By Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone

Doubleday, 320 pages, $26

More Top Picks Best Rain Pants For Hiking

This account of a mysterious manuscript–discovered in 1912 by book dealer Wilfrid Voynich and attributed by some to 13th Century scholar and friar Roger Bacon–is a fascinating tale of science, the Bible and code-breaking.

Most Popular

Chicago Bears get humbled after stoking Green Bay Packers rivalry: Brad Biggs’ 10 thoughts on the Week 5 loss
Chicago Bears get humbled after stoking Green Bay Packers rivalry: Brad Biggs' 10 thoughts on the Week 5 loss
Closing a 65-year-old cold case, CPD says 8-year-old girl was brutally murdered by a young Chicago cop
Closing a 65-year-old cold case, CPD says 8-year-old girl was brutally murdered by a young Chicago cop
Daily Horoscope for October 12, 2026
More Top Picks Best Outdoor Security Cameras For Homes
Daily Horoscope for October 12, 2026
After report of partying in Dubai with Texas Senate candidate, accused Loretto Hospital fraudsters plead not guilty
After report of partying in Dubai with Texas Senate candidate, accused Loretto Hospital fraudsters plead not guilty
Who knew about Amtrak’s Bridgeport plans, and when did they know?
Who knew about Amtrak’s Bridgeport plans, and when did they know?
Vatican says Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer and the lower lobe of his right lung was removed
Vatican says Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer and the lower lobe of his right lung was removed
Sexual assault reported at University of Chicago off-campus party, officials say
Sexual assault reported at University of Chicago off-campus party, officials say
Chicago Bears DE Montez Sweat suspended for 2 games for violating performance-enhancing drug policy
Chicago Bears DE Montez Sweat suspended for 2 games for violating performance-enhancing drug policy
Six Flags Great America roller coaster closed after Georgia death
Six Flags Great America roller coaster closed after Georgia death
Chicago Bears bench Tyson Bagent for Case Keenum — and both QBs contribute to 5-turnover day at Lambeau Field
More Top Picks Wind Generators
Chicago Bears bench Tyson Bagent for Case Keenum — and both QBs contribute to 5-turnover day at Lambeau Field

Cracking the code of a mysterious manuscript

More Stories

Cracking the code of a mysterious manuscript

Six Flags Great America roller coaster closed after Georgia death

🌉 Cortland Street Bridge to reopen

Chicago Bears get humbled after stoking Green Bay Packers rivalry: Brad Biggs' 10 thoughts on the Week 5 loss

Closing a 65-year-old cold case, CPD says 8-year-old girl was brutally murdered by a young Chicago cop

Daily Horoscope for October 12, 2026

After report of partying in Dubai with Texas Senate candidate, accused Loretto Hospital fraudsters plead not guilty

Who knew about Amtrak’s Bridgeport plans, and when did they know?

Vatican says Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer and the lower lobe of his right lung was removed

Sexual assault reported at University of Chicago off-campus party, officials say

Chicago Bears DE Montez Sweat suspended for 2 games for violating performance-enhancing drug policy

Chicago Bears bench Tyson Bagent for Case Keenum — and both QBs contribute to 5-turnover day at Lambeau Field

Medical examiner ID’s bodies found decomposing in East Side funeral home

Rev. George Clements orchestrated a ‘decades-long child sex ring’ at South Side parish, new lawsuits say

Pete Buttigieg rallies Democrats canvassing for Northwest Indiana candidates

Billionaire donor Michael Sacks gives $150,000 to school board president candidate Jessica Biggs

Share this:

More Stories