The Riddle Of The Labyrinth: The Quest To Crack An Ancient Code (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
I grabbed this book in kindle version.It was a great read, deploying the sensibility of a detective/mystery novel to explore the history of the deciphering of Linear B. It charts the involvement of three major figures in this task, and gives the reader a good basis in understanding who Evans, Kober and Ventris were, and the manner in which they contributed. The book is primarily concerned with this modern history; there is only a brief overview of what was in the tablets. However, I was tremendously satisfied with the experience of reading it, and feel that Fox made a compelling argument for the need to re-evaluate the credit afforded Kober for her work. Interesting, lively written history of decipherement of Linear B script and especially about its decipherers. Story of almost too typical Victorian archeologist, diligent, plain and sadly forgotten female teacher who laid most of the groundwork for decipherment...and slightly erratic young architect who finally cracked the code, even when almost to the end remained mistaken about language for which was Linear B script used.
What do You think about The Riddle Of The Labyrinth: The Quest To Crack An Ancient Code (2013)?
The quest to decipher the ancient Greek Linear B language. NYT's Notable Books list; Fil liked it.
—Jitka
I've always been interested in "codes" and ancient history. This has both.
—anna
Awesome. Story of breaking the code of Linear B and the unsung heroine.
—Tiffanyjoanna
An excellent review of how Linear B was understood.
—gabipach
