The definitive truth within Dan Brown's fantastic fiction—revealed at last. With millions of copies of his books in print, a major motion picture based on The Da Vinci Code in theaters, and religious leaders everywhere launching scathing attacks on his work, Dan Brown is, quite simply, a phenomenon. His novels, intricate mosaics combining well-researched facts with action-packed storytelling, have created their own industry of location tours, seminars—even PBS specials. But perhaps the one thing that still keeps his readers guessing is that nagging question: How much of this is true? The Unauthorized Dan Brown Companion tells all. Unlike the avalanche of books specifically about The Da Vinci Code , The Unauthorized Dan Brown Companion covers all of Dan Brown's books and, crucially, has no religious agenda or political axe to grind—these are the facts. • Could there actually be an unbreakable code that would cripple US intelligence, as in Digital Fortress? • How much truth lies in The Da Vinci Code's history-altering propositions that have so angered the Vatican? • Are the Illuminati from Angels and Demons really alive and well? The answers are here, covering every picture, place, proper name, and historical event through all of Brown's books, explaining what's absolutely true, possible, improbable, or completely fictitious. One of Dan Brown's greatest accomplishments as a writer is his uncanny ability to blur the line between fact and fiction. Now, with The Unauthorized Dan Brown Companion, readers will at last have all of the information to distinguish for themselves between the inventions of a master storyteller and the historical revelations of a first-rate investigator. John Helfers is a full-time writer and editor currently living on Green Bay, Wisconsin. He is the co-editor of The Valdemar Companion, a guide to the work and life of fantasy writer Mercedes Lackey. Recent published books include two anthologies he edited, In the Shadow of Evil and Slipstreams. He has also written nonfiction, with his history of the United States Navy, The Alpha Bravo Delta Guide to the U.S. Navy, published in 2003.

Secrets of the Lost Symbol is an essential resource for Dan Brown fans who want to know the facts behind the fiction. From Abramelin the Mage to the Zohar, this encyclopedic unofficial companion guide to The Lost Symbol uncovers the forgotten histories of arcane traditions that have shaped—and still inhabit—our modern world. Discover the truth about Freemasonry—a major theme in Brown's best-selling novel—including its rituals, temples, and infamous members such as the legendary Albert Pike. Get the real story behind the Rosicrucians, the Temple of Solomon, and ancient occult rites.

With his blockbuster bestselling novels The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, author Dan Brown introduced readers to a world of symbols and secret societies, men of God warring with men of Science, and the adventures of brilliant Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon. With The Lost Symbol, Brown has woven a complex web of intrigue, religion, technology, and great historical figures guiding the destiny of mankind. Inside, you will find the truth behind The Lost Symbol’s history and myths, such as: • The strength and influence of the enigmatic Freemasons throughout history • The founding fathers of the United States—and their possible connections with secret organizations such as the Illuminati and the Templars • The meaning within the symbols of the Great Seal of the United States • The identity of the Masonic "Great Architect of the Universe" • And so much more! For armchair historians and devoted fans—or those who want to know where the line is drawn between fact and fiction—this is the ultimate guide to the mysteries, symbolism, and historical contexts of Dan Brown’s thrilling novel. Includes 8 pages of photos and illustrations!

“If anyone can divine the contents of The Lost Symbol, it’s Dan Burstein.” —New York magazine With Secrets of the Lost Symbol, co-authors Dan Burstein and Arne de Keijzer delve into the real history, science, and hidden meanings behind Dan Brown’s latest blockbuster novel, The Lost Symbol. As they have done previously with their extraordinary New York Times bestsellers Secrets of the Code and Secrets of Angels & Demons, Burstein and de Keijzer explore the themes, conspiracies, mythologies, codes, encrypted signs, and alternate histories—from the birth of Knights Templar to the present day—popularized by the acclaimed creator of The Da Vinci Code, giving them fresh and fascinating relevance while separating truth from fantasy.

Traces the footsteps of the fictional Robert Langdon to explore te symbolism, rituals, art, architecture and very real Washington D.C., locations.

"In this illuminating biography, Lisa Rogak uncovers the life of the high school English teacher and singer/songwriter who became one of the world’s bestselling writers. She recounts his bumpy road to publishing success and the legal battle that he fought and won. And she sheds light on the writing process-- and Brown’s fascination with puzzles ..."--Publisher description.

An all-inclusive guide to key concepts and details about Dan Brown’s novel Inferno—featuring black-and-white illustrations. Go deep into the provocative and always compelling world of Dan Brown’s novel, Inferno. Delivering crucial background on the characters, codes, symbols, secrets, and setting of the novel, Inferno Decoded also offers a wealth of fascinating details about the historical and cultural background and the questions it raises. As in Michael Haag’s previous bestseller, The Rough Guide to The Da Vinci Code, the author illuminates the life and work of Dante Alighieri and the world of medieval Florence. Also included: an overview of Dante and his work, along with the other themes of Brown’s thriller; a guide to its sources and Tuscan locations; and a look back at the earlier career of Brown’s hero, Harvard Professor of Symbology, Robert Langdon.

Now a Peacock Original TV series Secret societies. Forgotten history. Conspiracies. Now you can unlock the mysteries of Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol with this definitive and bestselling guide to the facts behind the fiction featuring Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon—from Simon Cox, author of Cracking the Da Vinci Code and Illuminating Angels and Demons. Dan Brown’s thrilling novel The Lost Symbol again features Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, this time in the US racing to uncover clues and crack codes involving secrets that are perpetuated to this day. But how much of the novel is true and what is pure fiction? Simon Cox, bestselling Dan Brown expert offers this definitive guide to all the mysteries featured in The Lost Symbol. Based on extensive research, this A-to-Z guide lists the real people, organizations, and themes featured in Dan Brown’s novel, explains their histories and their meanings, reproduces and analyzes the symbols themselves, and provides insider knowledge gleaned from years of exhaustive study. From the monuments of Washington, DC, to the secrets of Salt Lake City and the hidden enclaves in Langley, Virginia, Cox knows where the facts are hidden about the Freemasons, Albert Pike, the Rosicrucians, the Founding Fathers, and more. This is the only resource you’ll need to understand and enjoy the fascinating and mysterious world of The Lost Symbol.

This book is designed to appeal to fans of Dan Browns Robert Langdon novels, particularly The Lost Symbol (2009). Beyer explores some of the books codes, puzzles, and historical references. Although he does raise some interesting questions How does The Lost Symbols original title, The Solomon Key, help us to understand the meaning and importance of one of the books characters? he also spends a lot of time on matters peripheral to his theme. Why, for example, in a book that is presumably being read by someone who is intimately familiar with Browns novels and their hero, Robert Langdon, would the author devote nearly 2 full pages to a physical description of the character and an explanation of what he does for a living? Similarly, the authors lengthy travelogue-like description of The Lost Symbols setting, Washington, D.C., could be replaced by a simple list of elements from the Brown novel that actually exist in Washington, freeing up 30-odd pages for meatier pursuits. Recommended for readers who cant get enough of Brown and Langdon, but for a better and much more entertaining exploration of Browns techniques, try The Va Dinci Cod (2005), the hilarious Da Vinci Code parody written by A. R. R. R. Roberts.

On the eve of a presidential race in which NASA's budget is a pivotal issue, the space agency announces the discovery of an ancient meteorite filled with fossils deep in the Arctic ice.