Is the VMS a pamphlet of the bastards ? (theory)

[MichelleL11]

What do you think ?

I think this is yet another example of a theorist applying societal standards of another time to the Voynich.  Which is strange for “historians” (of any kind).  Assuming that being a bastard would somehow be a negative or actionable enough issue for a group to justify the making of a type of collective protest manuscript is stuck somewhere in the 1800- early 1900s, I’d say.  Particularly true since that group must have the means and literacy to produce that manuscript - which cancels out the whole motivation in my view.  That is, if you are privileged enough to produce the Voynich manuscript not sure protesting your station in life makes a lot of sense.

Finally, for other reasons l had researched the presence of bastard children in a nobile line at the time and it was, frankly ubiquitous (basically every single male in that particular line had produced at least one bastard).  They were known, recorded, and successful - if male, often became clergy (appointed).

So, no - l don’t buy it.

[bi3mw]

Particularly true since that group must have the means and literacy to produce that manuscript - which cancels out the whole motivation in my view.  That is, if you are privileged enough to produce the Voynich manuscript not sure protesting your station in life makes a lot of sense.

This is a valid argument, after all, according to Carl-Krüsi and Eggenberger, it is a "pamphlet of the bastards for their right". Those who really had a reason to complain, namely the descendants of mothers of low status, could hardly pay the VMS and probably did not have the personal resources.

[R. Sale]

The examples that I've seen, from the illegitimate children of the dukes of Burgundy, do not support this thesis. While it is true that they did not inherit, they were otherwise highly privileged.

As to the heraldry:
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[bi3mw]

.... if male, often became clergy (appointed).

Bastards and Priests in the Middle Ages with Sara McDougall

[MichelleL11]

.... if male, often became clergy (appointed).

Bastards and Priests in the Middle Ages with Sara McDougall

Very interesting!  And all I can say is -- vindicated.