Reviews

Unveiling the Mystic Ciphers: Thomas Anson and the Shepherd's Monument Inscription by Dave Ramsden

glyptodonsneeze's review

4.0

Apparently the Shepherd's Monument is one of these things that is cryptic and therefore attractive to Holy Blood, Holy Grail/DaVinci Code fans. I'd never heard of it but I picked up this book and it was short so I read the whole thing. The grounds of Shugborough House seem to be sprinkled artfully with cryptic monuments per the interest of Thomas Anson, who traveled to Egypt before it was cool and returned to England with an interest in esoteric knowledge that he shared with his other rich friends who formed secret clubs to pursue their hobby. Ramsden makes a compelling argument that the monument says, "Magdalen." On the way he explains a lot about cryptography, which was quite interesting. Why the monument says "Magdalen" in cipher is a different question, but, "Because Thomas Anson liked cryptic ciphers," is a compelling answer.