Rewriting History

"Rewriting History: The Decipherment of Linear A and a History of Egypto-Cretan Relations in the Middle and Late Bronze Ages" by Mark Cook is a groundbreaking study that attempts to crack the code of the enigmatic Linear A script. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Linear A Decipherment: The book focuses on the decipherment of Linear A, a script from the Bronze Age that has long been a mystery to scholars. Cook argues that Linear A is a form of ancient Egyptian shorthand, derived from the standard Egyptian hieroglyph and hieratic writing systems.
2. Egypto-Cretan Relations: The book also delves into the historical relations between Egypt and Crete during the Middle and Late Bronze Ages. This includes exploring the cultural and political interactions between these ancient civilizations.
3. Methodology: Cook's approach is based on the methodological framework established by Alice Kober, who deciphered Linear B, the earliest written form of Greek. Cook emphasizes the importance of focusing on "the obvious" that many scholars have ignored, rather than following logical hypotheses.

Plot Summary

The book begins with an introduction by Mark Cook, where he sets out his goal and describes his methodological approach. He then delves into the history of previous attempts to decipher Linear A and explains why these attempts have been unsuccessful. Cook argues that the common symbols in Linear A and Linear B should not be used to interpret Linear A signs, as the two scripts are distinct.

The core of the book involves Cook's bold new theory that Linear A is an Egyptian shorthand. He provides evidence and historical context to support this claim, including references to Egyptian hieroglyphs and hieratic writing systems. Additionally, he explores the historical records of Egypto-Cretan relations, using archaeological evidence and inscriptions to reconstruct the interactions between these ancient civilizations.

Critical Reception

The critical reception of "Rewriting History" has been mixed, with some scholars praising Cook's innovative approach and others questioning the validity of his theories.

• Positive Reception: The book has been described as "majestic and awe-inspiring" by some reviewers, who appreciate Cook's bold attempt to crack the code of Linear A. The methodological approach, based on Alice Kober's work, has been praised for its rigor and originality.

• Critical Views: However, other scholars have expressed skepticism about Cook's theory that Linear A is an Egyptian shorthand. Some have pointed out that the decipherment of Linear A remains an open question and that more evidence is needed to support such a radical claim.

Overall, "Rewriting History" by Mark Cook is a significant contribution to the field of ancient Mediterranean studies, offering a fresh perspective on the decipherment of Linear A and the history of Egypto-Cretan relations. While its reception is divided, the book remains an important work in the ongoing quest to understand these enigmatic scripts and historical interactions.