I am relatively new to the Voynich Manuscript, but one part of the bio raises a question: that Voynich was in Hamburg for a time after his escape in the 1890s -how long? The reason I ask is because the Warburg family was based in Hamburg, and while Aby Warburg was in Florence for a good part of the '90s, I would imagine that he -a Renaissance scholar and book collector, with a strong focus on esoteric aspects- should have taken a tremendous interest in this manuscript. Perhaps he crossed paths with Voynich at some point? (I'm searching "Voynich Warburg" but not finding much inclusive of both terms.)
Given the radio-carbon dating, it's not looking good for Bezomov's hoax theory... However, one remote possibility that could save it: Aby Warburg might've known where to find the Renaissance era supplies, being a collector with limitless resources - though he was the first-born, logical successor of this banking dynasty, he had no interest in banking, and came to an agreement with brother Max: just let me buy all the books I can get my hands on!
I've been reading Ron Chernow's bio of the Warburgs, where we find that Aby's other interest in the '90s, when he wasn't in Florence, was hanging out with Hopis in Arizona... More possibilities?
I am relatively new to the Voynich Manuscript, but one part of the bio raises a question: that Voynich was in Hamburg for a time after his escape in the 1890s -how long? The reason I ask is because the Warburg family was based in Hamburg, and while Aby Warburg was in Florence for a good part of the '90s, I would imagine that he -a Renaissance scholar and book collector, with a strong focus on esoteric aspects- should have taken a tremendous interest in this manuscript. Perhaps he crossed paths with Voynich at some point? (I'm searching "Voynich Warburg" but not finding much inclusive of both terms.)
Given the radio-carbon dating, it's not looking good for Bezomov's hoax theory... However, one remote possibility that could save it: Aby Warburg might've known where to find the Renaissance era supplies, being a collector with limitless resources - though he was the first-born, logical successor of this banking dynasty, he had no interest in banking, and came to an agreement with brother Max: just let me buy all the books I can get my hands on!
I know, it's a stretch, but what the hell...
A possible Warburg connection is intriguing indeed! I'll look for one, and if I can't find it I'll make it up.
I've been reading Ron Chernow's bio of the Warburgs, where we find that Aby's other interest in the '90s, when he wasn't in Florence, was hanging out with Hopis in Arizona... More possibilities?