the Source (2008)

by Cordy, Michael

  Pushing up through the black ash is a small flower with unique leaves. It is unlike any other plant in the surrounding jungle, unlike any other plant in the world.

  Acknowledgements

  I plundered many books and periodicals to research the scientific and historical aspects of this novel, but I found the most inspirational source material in the pages of the Voynich Manuscript, which the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library has generously reproduced and presented on its website.

  I want to thank Patrick Walsh and Jake Smith-Bosanquet, at the Conville & Walsh Literary Agency in London, and Nick Harris at the RWSH film agency in Los Angeles for their sterling efforts in selling this novel around the world.

  I also thank Bill Scott-Kerr for his perceptive editing and continued encouragement, and Hazel Orme for the final polish.

  My greatest thanks, however, are reserved for my wife, Jenny, who has always been my most ruthless critic and most ardent supporter, and for our daughter, Phoebe, who makes everything worthwhile.

  Table of Contents

  PART ONE

  PART TWO

  PART THREE

  PART FOUR