Da Vinci Code Decoded

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.

There are a lot of choices of "Da Vinci Code" guides right now to buy. Some take a secular approach like this one does. What I think distinguishes "Da Vinci Code Decoded" is provocative manner it parallels the events of the Dan Brown novel with enlightening historical events. It's one of the best companion guides I have read, and I have many of them. I've taken the time to read the guides published by religious zealots who are just looking to trash Dan Brown and any critical eye that is shed upon their beliefs. Fortunately, in America, everyone has a right to choose what he or she believes. And it would be great if more people were tolerant of others' beliefs and viewpoints, particularly when they disagree with their own.If you are interested in a non-dogmatic, critical view on the history and religion you may (or may not) be familiar with, this book is for you.

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.

Disclaimer: I'm connected to this book.Fact: I've read this book.Hypothesis: Most of the people posting negative reviews below have NOT read the book.It's fairly obvious to anyone who has actually read more than the book description and the author bio. I have two theories as to why these reviews are being posted: (a) because Martin Lunn's book is not simply an argument against the religious history underpinning 'The Da Vinci Code'; and (b) because the reviewers are in some way affiliated with competing books about 'The Da Vinci Code'.They won't admit to it, of course, but bear it in mind when you see those 1 star ratings.By the way, of all the various books, only this one and Dan Burstein's anthology are in any way fair and balanced in a non-Faux News way. Burstein's book is very different - not really a holistic guide, but a collection of essays. But for the real fan it's probably worth picking up Lunn's book and Burstein's if you can afford it.

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.