Throughout history, mankind has written a lot of books. Today, we have over one hundred and thirty million books. Great right? But some of these books are forbidden or mysterious. Some are extremely ancient or even predict the future. In this post, we’re looking at a list of books you may not actually want to read!
1. The Book of Soyga
The medieval manuscript named the Book of Soyga also recognized as Aldaraia, is thought to be a discourse about magic and the mystical arts, documented in an encoded script. Although it is commonly associated with John Dee, a scholar, and occultist from the Elizabethan era, there is no conclusive verification of his authorship. This manuscript encompasses multiple parts, encompassing a catalog of angels, incantations, and an exposition on the essence of magic. It has been difficult for scholars to decipher due to its complex cipher. Despite its mysterious nature, the Book of Soyga remains a fascinating artifact of medieval magic and a subject of ongoing study for scholars of esotericism and occultism.
2. The Prophecies of Nostradamus
The book “The Prophecies of Nostradamus” comprises prophetic verses and quatrains penned by Michel de Nostradamus, a 16th-century French physician and astrologer. Within its pages lie predictions of upcoming occurrences, encompassing both natural catastrophes and political turmoil. Nostradamus asserted that his predictions stemmed from celestial inspiration and his personal scrutiny of celestial bodies’ positions and motions. Despite controversy and skepticism, his quatrains have been translated into many languages and continue to fascinate readers worldwide, with many still studying his writings to unlock the secrets of his prophecies. The Prophecies of Nostradamus are one of the most famous and enduring examples of prophetic literature.
3. The Ripley Scroll
The Ripley Scroll is an important alchemical work from the 15th century, known for its intricate illustrations and detailed instructions on creating the Philosopher’s Stone. The facsimile edition allows for a detailed examination of the entire scroll and includes expert interpretation and transcription of the text to help readers understand the complex symbolism and alchemical processes depicted. It is a fascinating and informative work that will captivate and inspire both scholars of alchemy and curious readers.
4. The Beale Ciphers
The Beale Ciphers consist of three encoded messages believed to guide seekers to a hidden fortune valued at more than $63 million. These ciphers were crafted by Thomas Beale during the 1800s and entrusted to a companion for security. Although the first cipher was decrypted successfully, the other two ciphers continue to elude the solution. Using the book cipher method, many attempts have been made to unveil their secrets. Despite claims of discovering hidden treasures, tangible evidence has not yet been found, making the Beale Ciphers a fascinating subject for those who are drawn to unsolved mysteries.
5. The Voynich Manuscript
The Voynich manuscript is a handwritten book filled with illustrations of plants, astrological symbols, and human figures, among other things. Its origin dates back to the early 15th century and is named after Wilfrid Voynich, the book dealer who acquired it in 1912. The manuscript is divided into six sections and is written in an unknown script that has never been deciphered despite many attempts. Certain specialists view it as a hoax, whereas alternative perspectives suggest it could be an encoded communication from an unidentified writer. Numerous hypotheses concerning its significance and intent have emerged, encompassing medical, alchemical, religious, and philosophical interpretations. Even though its origins and content remain enigmatic, the Voynich manuscript has captured the interest of academics and the general populace, establishing itself as one of recorded history’s most captivating and puzzling manuscripts.
6. The Dead Sea Scrolls
The Dead Sea Scrolls are a collection of ancient Jewish texts discovered in the 20th century near the Dead Sea. They were found in eleven caves near the settlement of Qumran, and include biblical and non-biblical Jewish texts, as well as insights into the beliefs and practices of a Jewish sect. The historical evolution of Judaism and the beginnings of Christianity during the Second Temple period have been significantly illuminated by ancient scrolls. These valuable relics, currently housed in various institutions, have undergone thorough scrutiny by scholars and have found fame through literature and cinema.
7. The Liber Linteus
The Liber Linteus is an ancient Etruscan text that was discovered in the late 19th century in a tomb near the Croatian city of Zagreb. It is believed to date from the 3rd century BCE and is one of the longest surviving Etruscan texts. The text appears to be a ritual calendar or liturgical text, possibly related to a particular religious cult. It is written in the Etruscan language and uses a form of the Etruscan alphabet. Although many parts of the text are missing, the discovery of the Liber Linteus has provided valuable insights into the culture and language of the ancient Etruscans, a civilization that thrived in central Italy before the rise of the Roman Empire.
8. The Gigas Codex
The Codex Gigas is a well-known medieval manuscript that is remarkable for its size and contents. It was created in the early 13th century, possibly in a Benedictine monastery in Bohemia. The manuscript is massive, weighing around 165 pounds and measuring 36 inches tall, 20 inches wide, and nearly 9 inches thick. It contains 310 pages made of calfskin and written in Latin. One of the most notable features of the manuscript is a full-page illustration of the devil, which has led to it being nicknamed the “Devil’s Bible.”
More that Just a Bible
The Codex Gigas includes various texts, such as the entire Bible in Latin, as well as other historical, medical, and magical works. The Chronicle of Bohemia is a prominent text in the manuscript, containing an extensive history of the region up to the 12th century. Today, the Codex Gigas is housed in the National Library of Sweden in Stockholm, where it remains one of the most significant and valuable manuscripts from the medieval era.
From medieval texts on magic and prophecy to ancient manuscripts written in unknown scripts, these books continue to captivate scholars and curious readers alike. While some of them may be difficult to understand or even potentially dangerous, they offer a glimpse into the history, beliefs, and knowledge of past civilizations and cultures.
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