The Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University
The Voynich manuscript, which plays a crucial role in Vaults of Power, belongs to the Beinecke Library since 1969. According to the official story, Wilfried Voynich found the manuscript in 1912 in an Italian castle belonging to the Jesuits. When he died, the manuscript was passed to his widow Ethel, then to a friend of his widow after she died, who sold it to an art dealer, who gave it to Yale University.
It then became ms 408, the shelf mark of the manuscript at Beinecke Library. When Diane visited the Beinecke Library for her research during the writing of Vaults of Power, she experienced an intense emotion that she tried to convey through the eyes of the main character, Robyn, when she enters what she calls “the Holy of Holies”. (note: this is not the excerpt on the right) The modern structure of the library and of its immediate surroundings are in stark contrast to the rest of Yale University. But one step inside the building designed by architect Gordon Bunshaft propels the visitor into a wonder world. The windowless library is built in translucent Danby marble, sifting the sun rays and allowing the entire building to bathe in an equalized light. Manuscripts and incunabula among the rarest in the world are stored in a glass tower at the center of the library. The library is an architectural gem, and home to too many treasures to name them here. The library is in New Haven, Connecticut. For more information, visit the Beinecke library website here. You can also friend the library on Facebook, and follow them on twitter @BeineckeLibrary. Buy Vaults of Power now, in paperback, for your kindle, or for your nook. |
“There's only one way to know,” she said. “Get to the Voynich.” “You mean Yale.” “Right. The Beinecke library.” “The one that sinks into ground in case of a nuclear attack.” “Didn’t know that.” “It also cuts the oxygen in case of fire. Saves the books, and kills the researchers.” “Charming.” “How are you going to do this, Robyn? You think you can walk in there, pick up the Voynich manuscript and walk out?” “I’ll steal it.” “There’s cameras everywhere.” “It was done before.” Parker sighed. “That was just maps. The guy hid them in his books. Or folder.” He rubbed his face. He was right. The place had three Gutenberg bibles, the Vinland map, the first Shakespeare folios, the Romanov family albums. Every single book or manuscript was priceless. It was a fortress. “Still,” she said. “It can be done.” The pictures below were taken by Diane in July 2009. There are better pics all over the web, but we thought you'd like to see these. (place cursor on picture to pause) |