Whenever you’re consuming media, especially the classics, there are countless meanings and messages ready to be uncovered. But there are also hidden messages in classic texts that many might not have picked up on. Similar to the hidden messages in paintings, let’s dive into some secrets that have been uncovered in classic texts, from Shakespeare to Leonardo da Vinci.
5. Shakespeare’s First Folio
Shakespeare is often considered to be one of the greatest dramatists of all time. His reputation is hard to beat. But while he’s known for his brilliant plays and poems, he’s also known as a man of mystery, as he’s responsible for one of the many hidden messages in classic texts. Some scholars believe that Shakespeare left hidden messages within his work, with the discovery of a cipher in the margins of his first folio. The sequence of numbers and letters appears to follow a cryptographic pattern, hinting at a deeper meaning.
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4. Galileo’s Manuscripts
One of the more recent discoveries of hidden messages in classic texts was in 2018 when researchers discovered hidden annotations in Galileo Galilei’s manuscripts, revealing that he had revised observations about Jupiter’s moons. While small notes, therefore previously unnoticed, the annotations suggest that he refined his research before publishing. This will hopefully reshape our understanding of Galileo’s research and process.
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3. Edgar Allen Poe’s Poem
Another incredible writer of his time is Edgar Allen Poe, known for his cultivation of mystery and macabre. Apparently, in a rare edition of Edgar Allen Poe’s first published book, there was a hidden poem, written in his own hand, between the printed pages. The poem, previously unknown, hinted at themes he would explore in his later work.
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2. Leonardo da Vinci’s Note
Some hidden messages in classic texts are even harder to find, like Leonardo da Vinci’s invisible note. The man was known for being a genius, with most of his more intriguing work written backwards in mirror script. However, researchers have discovered invisible ink notes layered behind the visible text, with some being sketches and encrypted messages about inventions centuries ahead of their time.
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1. Alchemy in Newton’s Papers
Another one of the best hidden messages in classic text revolves around Isaac Newton, who is best known for his laws of physics. It was also learned that he was involved in alchemy, which was secretive in his time. Apparently, researchers have found alchemical symbols and notes written in the margins of his scientific papers, suggesting he may have been searching for the Philosopher’s Stone.
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