Product Description

'The Da Vinci Code' is a modern-day publishing phenomenon. With millions of copies in print, it is the most popular adult novel of the 21st Century. In an introductory note author Dan Brown tells us that "all descriptions of documents and secret rituals ... are accurate." But are they? Many scholars and theologians have attacked the book and the "facts" on which it is based. Some claim that Brown is anti-Catholic. Book clubs, reading groups, dedicated web sites and countless reviews and articles in magazines and newspapers worldwide have fueled the fire, making 'The Da Vinci Code' not only the most successful book of its kind ever, but also the most controversial.

Now Martin Lunn, an expert historian, reveals the truth behind Dan Brown’s research. The reality of Catholic offshoot Opus Dei … the hard facts about the bloodline of Christ and King David … the origins of the Knights Templar and the infamous Priory of Sion … the secrets of Temple Church and Rosslyn Cathedral … the real Saunière … the mysteries of Rennes-le-Château and much more.

'Da Vinci Code Decoded' also provides an exhaustive tour of the locations visited by the novel’s characters: The Louvre Museum, l’Eglise de Saint-Sulpice and Rue Haxo in Paris; Château Villette; Temple Church; Westminster Abbey; Newton’s tomb; Chapter House; St. Faith’s Chapel; Rosslyn Chapel and many others.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #558435 in Books
• Published on: 2004-04-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

About the Author
Martin Lunn is a recognized expert in the Davidic bloodline and other issues presented in The Da Vinci Code. He has a Masters degree in History and an extensive background in journalism. He has lived throughout the Far and Middle East, the US and several countries in Europe, currently residing in Barcelona. He is also Grand Master of the Dragon Society, founded originally in 1408 by King Sigismund of Hungary.

Customer Reviews

finally an unbiased guide!
As a fan of The Da Vinci Code I've been curious about lots of the things Dan Brown wrote about, but without having to read all the dry history texts like Holy Bllod Holy Grail. So I was eager to check out some of the Da Vinci Code guides that are being published now. Guess what? Nearly all of them aren't written for fans, but by a certain type of Christian (hey, not all of us object to DVC) who just wants to argue against any possibility of the history framing The Davinci Code.

This is the only one written from a balanced, secular point of view. It's comprehensive but compact enough to be readable by almost anyone with a mild interest in the various topics such as The Priory of Sion, Knights Templar, Merovingian/Davidic bloodlines, etc etc.

It's also great value at under $10 and has lots of photos, so for my money this is the one to get unless you just want to read dogmatic arguments about why The Da Vinci Code's version of history couldn't possibly be true.

again, a review (short version)
Writing a non-fiction book that covers a topic which is not only controversial, but normally considered to be folklore, is a considerable challenge. The only books of this kind that I am willing to read are those that stick to the topic, that are rational, and down to earth. Many books of this genre constantly beg the reader to stretch the imagination and tolerate shoddy research. The DaVinci Code Decoded, however, reads like an exceptional book about history, which is what it is. There are no apologies being made here for the fact that the truth is sometimes mysterious, and there is virtually zero time dedicated to sensationalism. Martin Lunn has written an informed book from an informed point of view, and he is himself as unique and sincere as it is required to claim any authority on the subject. References are made one by one as they appear in Brown's novel, and he simply states what he knows to be true. The Romantic aspect needs no assistance. Conclusions are drawn that are not at all like what Brown's novel has to say and at other moments, they agree. There is also exclusive information that Brown obviously didn't know, and frankly I don't think anyone else knew, either! This is certainly refreshing after reading many redundant books following the Holy Blood, Holy Grail. Writing this book was a matter of responsibility to an organization which was researching these topics long before Dan Brown's success. It was technically in the works long before any of the others which followed suit. There is certainly no "jumping on the gravy train" going on here. The most fascinating thing is that Dan Brown is actually the one who has the tiger by the tail, and Martin Lunn is rather capable of explaining why.

Two thumbs and all fingers way up
I loved Dan Brown's book and wanted to know more so I picked this up because it was the only one of the Davinci Code related books that was under $10 and had lots of photos. What a value! It hits everything I was curious about with lots of detail: the history of the Priory of Sion and the Knights Templar (loved the fact that Friday 13th comes from the execution of the Templars), Mary Magdalene and Jesus' relationship and their possible bloodline, where the Holy Grail might be (Valencia in SPain), lots of detail on all the buildings and paintings in the novel, what it's really like to be in Opus Dei, etc etc.

Buy it - you won't be disappointed - and it's amazingly cheap considering all the photos.