The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

The Da Vinci Code, authored by Dan Brown, is a gripping thriller that intertwines art, history, and religion. The story follows symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu as they unravel a murder mystery at the Louvre Museum in Paris. They uncover secrets related to the Priory of Sion and Opus Dei, exploring themes of faith, truth, and the sacred feminine. This novel has captivated readers with its intricate plot and rich historical references, making it a must-read for fans of suspense and mystery. Published in 2003, The Da Vinci Code has sparked discussions and debates about its controversial interpretations of Christian history.

Key Points

  • Explores the murder of curator Jacques Saunière at the Louvre Museum and its implications for art and history.
  • Follows Robert Langdon and Sophie Neveu as they decode clues related to the Priory of Sion and Opus Dei.
  • Examines themes of faith, truth, and the role of women in religious history.
  • Incorporates real historical figures and organizations, including Leonardo da Vinci and the Priory of Sion.
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The Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown
FOR BLYTHE... AGAIN. MORE THAN EVER.
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, to my friend and editor, Jason Kaufman, for working so hard on this project and
for truly understanding what this book is all about. And to the incomparable Heide Lange—tireless
champion of The Da Vinci Code, agent extraordinaire, and trusted friend.
I cannot fully express my gratitude to the exceptional team at Doubleday, for their generosity, faith,
and superb guidance. Thank you especially to Bill Thomas and Steve Rubin, who believed in this
book from the start. My thanks also to the initial core of early in-house supporters, headed by
Michael Palgon, Suzanne Herz, Janelle Moburg, Jackie Everly, and Adrienne Sparks, as well as to
the talented people of Doubleday's sales force.
For their generous assistance in the research of the book, I would like to acknowledge the Louvre
Museum, the French Ministry of Culture, Project Gutenberg, Bibliothèque Nationale, the Gnostic
Society Library, the Department of Paintings Study and Documentation Service at the Louvre,
Catholic World News, Royal Observatory Greenwich, London Record Society, the Muniment
Collection at Westminster Abbey, John Pike and the Federation of American Scientists, and the
five members of Opus Dei (three active, two former) who recounted their stories, both positive and
negative, regarding their experiences inside Opus Dei.
My gratitude also to Water Street Bookstore for tracking down so many of my research books, my
father Richard Brown—mathematics teacher and author—for his assistance with the Divine
Proportion and the Fibonacci Sequence, Stan Planton, Sylvie Baudeloque, Peter McGuigan,
Francis McInerney, Margie Wachtel, André Vernet, Ken Kelleher at Anchorball Web Media, Cara
Sottak, Karyn Popham, Esther Sung, Miriam Abramowitz, William Tunstall-Pedoe, and Griffin
Wooden Brown.
And finally, in a novel drawing so heavily on the sacred feminine, I would be remiss if I did not
mention the two extraordinary women who have touched my life. First, my mother, Connie
Brown—fellow scribe, nurturer, musician, and role model. And my wife, Blythe—art historian,
painter, front-line editor, and without a doubt the most astonishingly talented woman I have ever
known.
FACT:
The Priory of Sion—a European secret society founded in 1099—is a real organization. In 1975
Paris's Bibliothèque Nationale discovered parchments known as Les Dossiers Secrets, identifying
numerous members of the Priory of Sion, including Sir Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, and
Leonardo da Vinci.
The Vatican prelature known as Opus Dei is a deeply devout Catholic sect that has been the topic
of recent controversy due to reports of brainwashing, coercion, and a dangerous practice known as
"corporal mortification." Opus Dei has just completed construction of a $47 million World
Headquarters at 243 Lexington Avenue in New York City.
All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate.
Prologue
Louvre Museum, Paris 10:46 P.M.
Renowned curator Jacques Saunière staggered through the vaulted archway of the museum's Grand
Gallery. He lunged for the nearest painting he could see, a Caravaggio. Grabbing the gilded frame,
the seventy-six-year-old man heaved the masterpiece toward himself until it tore from the wall and
Saunière collapsed backward in a heap beneath the canvas.
As he had anticipated, a thundering iron gate fell nearby, barricading the entrance to the suite. The
parquet floor shook. Far off, an alarm began to ring.
The curator lay a moment, gasping for breath, taking stock. I am still alive. He crawled out from
under the canvas and scanned the cavernous space for someplace to hide.
A voice spoke, chillingly close. "Do not move."
On his hands and knees, the curator froze, turning his head slowly.
Only fifteen feet away, outside the sealed gate, the mountainous silhouette of his attacker stared
through the iron bars. He was broad and tall, with ghost-pale skin and thinning white hair. His
irises were pink with dark red pupils. The albino drew a pistol from his coat and aimed the barrel
through the bars, directly at the curator. "You should not have run." His accent was not easy to
place. "Now tell me where it is."
"I told you already," the curator stammered, kneeling defenseless on the floor of the gallery. "I
have no idea what you are talking about!"
"You are lying." The man stared at him, perfectly immobile except for the glint in his ghostly eyes.
"You and your brethren possess something that is not yours."
The curator felt a surge of adrenaline. How could he possibly know this?
"Tonight the rightful guardians will be restored. Tell me where it is hidden, and you will live." The
man leveled his gun at the curator's head. "Is it a secret you will die for?"
Saunière could not breathe.
The man tilted his head, peering down the barrel of his gun.
Saunière held up his hands in defense. "Wait," he said slowly. "I will tell you what you need to
know." The curator spoke his next words carefully. The lie he told was one he had rehearsed many
times... each time praying he would never have to use it.
When the curator had finished speaking, his assailant smiled smugly. "Yes. This is exactly what the
others told me."
Saunière recoiled. The others?
"I found them, too," the huge man taunted. "All three of them. They confirmed what you have just
said."
It cannot be! The curator's true identity, along with the identities of his three sénéchaux, was
almost as sacred as the ancient secret they protected. Saunière now realized his sénéchaux,
following strict procedure, had told the same lie before their own deaths. It was part of the
protocol.
The attacker aimed his gun again. "When you are gone, I will be the only one who knows the
truth."
The truth. In an instant, the curator grasped the true horror of the situation. If I die, the truth will be
lost forever. Instinctively, he tried to scramble for cover.
The gun roared, and the curator felt a searing heat as the bullet lodged in his stomach. He fell
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FAQs of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

What is the main plot of The Da Vinci Code?
The Da Vinci Code follows symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu as they investigate the murder of Jacques Saunière, the curator of the Louvre Museum. Their quest leads them to uncover a series of cryptic clues hidden in famous artworks, which point to a secret society known as the Priory of Sion. As they delve deeper, they confront the controversial teachings of Opus Dei and explore themes of faith, history, and the sacred feminine. The novel's intricate plot weaves together historical facts and fiction, creating a thrilling narrative that challenges the reader's perceptions of truth.
Who are the main characters in The Da Vinci Code?
The main characters in The Da Vinci Code include Robert Langdon, a Harvard symbologist, and Sophie Neveu, a French cryptologist. Langdon is called to the Louvre to help solve the murder of curator Jacques Saunière, where he meets Sophie, who is determined to uncover the truth about her grandfather's death. Together, they navigate a complex web of historical secrets and symbols, encountering various antagonists, including members of Opus Dei. Their dynamic partnership drives the narrative as they unravel the mysteries surrounding the Holy Grail and its implications.
What themes are explored in The Da Vinci Code?
The Da Vinci Code explores several themes, including the conflict between faith and reason, the nature of truth, and the role of women in religious history. The novel challenges traditional interpretations of Christianity, particularly regarding the figure of Mary Magdalene and her significance in the context of the Holy Grail. Additionally, it delves into the power of art and symbolism, as characters decode hidden messages within famous works. The theme of secrecy, as exemplified by the Priory of Sion and Opus Dei, raises questions about the influence of secret societies on historical narratives.
How does The Da Vinci Code incorporate real historical elements?
The Da Vinci Code is notable for its incorporation of real historical elements, including actual locations, artworks, and figures. The novel features the Louvre Museum, where much of the action takes place, and references famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. It also discusses the Priory of Sion, a real secret society, and Opus Dei, a controversial Catholic organization. By blending fact with fiction, Dan Brown creates a narrative that feels both thrilling and plausible, prompting readers to question the boundaries between history and myth.
What impact did The Da Vinci Code have on popular culture?
The Da Vinci Code had a significant impact on popular culture, sparking widespread interest in art history, symbology, and conspiracy theories. Its release led to a surge in tourism to locations featured in the novel, particularly the Louvre Museum and other historical sites in Europe. The book's controversial themes regarding Christianity and historical interpretations prompted debates among scholars and religious leaders. Additionally, its success led to a film adaptation and a series of sequels, further cementing its place in contemporary literature and media.

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