Cracking The Da Vinci Code

Dan Brown's bestselling novel, The Da Vinci Code, has become a global phenomenon; and introduced readers to a mysterious world where Leonardo Da Vinci encoded hidden meanings into his paintings, strange symbols are engraved in a remote Scottish chapel; and the Catholic Church and an ancient secret society are locked in a centuries-old battle to gain control of the ultimate prize: the Holy Grail. But how much of the novel is actually true and what is fictional distortion? Cracking the Da Vinci code is the first book to cut through the confusion and disclose the amazing facts that underpin the plot. In a simple A-Z format it reveals the historical basis of the secrets contained in the book, including background information on all the key figures, reproductions of the symbols encoded in the paintings, and insider knowledge such as the riddles hidden in the characters' names. Cracking the Da Vinci Code is an invaluable resource for the many enthusiasts of the novel and all those who want to learn more about the remarkable truth behind the legend of the Holy Grail. --- from the book's dustjacket

This is a good little reference work for people who have been exposed for the first time to the Bloodline/Grail theories found in The Da Vinci Code. Cox gives each item its own dictionary-style entry with a factual description that is anywhere from a half page in length to three pages. As Cox writes, "This book is designed in such a way as to give the reader of The Da Vinci Code a primer on many of the factual elements in the book." I found the color photos especially helpful so that I could see for myself what is being talked about. This book has been faulted for Cox's unabashed support of The Da Vinci Code, but clearly that is what inspired him to put this volume together.

I have enjoyed this book immensely. It is great as fast reference for the facts peppered throughout the Da Vinci Code, and also as a cover to cover read. My mother picked it up after I recommended it and has also enjoyed discovering the truth and the history behind the facts mentioned in the Dan Brown book.

This is an excellent book detailing the background to the details and information utilized in The Da Vinci Code (unlike the pathetic attacks on Dan Brown by the author of Breaking The Da Vinci Code and similar books). Cox does a good job researching the historical context of Dan Brown's book. He brings out interesting information concerning the names, places and things utilized by Dan Brown in his provocative novel. For those interested in delving further into this information, Cox lists recommended readings in the bibliography. This book is a must for anyone wondering about the mix of facts and fiction in The Da Vinci Code.

After reading The Da Vinci Code I certainly had some questions. Brown makes a compelling argument, he sure doesn't describe the church that I went to Sunday School at. Can the things he incorporates into his story really be true? His 'facts' 'feel' correct to me. But before I went out spouting his facts as the 'gospel truth' I thought I should read some commentaries on Brown's book. There's a lot of them. The theme of The Da Vinci Code is so sensitive that readers come down hard on either side, love it..hate it, and that's the way most of the commentaries are. I found several that were written by theologians clearly writing to protect their turf. The same with the alternative history writers. Both were so deeply into their beliefs, they couldn't tell you background facts with out soaking them in politics. But dear sensitive reader...look no further! Simon Cox is your Joe Friday("Just the facts,mamam").Cox's book is composed of short essays of the obscure names, places, things that a regular reader might be unfimilar with. So if you want to know if there really is disembodied hand holding a knife in 'The last Supper' or if Opus Dei is a real thing you can read a page or two about it,have your curiousity slackened and not have to wade thru religio/politicio b.s. And the price is right!