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The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon) Paperback – March 31, 2009

by Dan Brown (Author)

4.6 19,484 ratings

Book 2 of 5: Robert Langdon

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#1 WORLDWIDE BESTSELLER • While in Paris, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is awakened by a phone call in the dead of the night. The elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum, his body covered in baffling symbols.

“Blockbuster perfection.... A gleefully erudite suspense novel.” —The New York Times

“A pulse-quickening, brain-teasing adventure.” —People

As Langdon and gifted French cryptologist Sophie Neveu sort through the bizarre riddles, they are stunned to discover a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci—clues visible for all to see and yet ingeniously disguised by the painter.

Even more startling, the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion—a secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci—and he guarded a breathtaking historical secret. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle—while avoiding the faceless adversary who shadows their every move—the explosive, ancient truth will be lost forever.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read

"Read the book and be enlightened." —The Washington Post Book World

“Blockbuster perfection.... A gleefully erudite suspense novel.” —The New York Times

“A pulse-quickening, brain-teasing adventure.” —People

“Thriller writing doesn’t get any better than this.” —The Denver Post

"Dan Brown has to be one of the best, smartest, and most accomplished writers in the country. THE DA VINCI CODE is many notches above the intelligent thriller; this is pure genius."
—NELSON DeMILLE, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Intrigue and menace mingle in one of the finest mysteries I’ve ever read. An amazing tale with enigma piled on secrets stacked on riddles."
—CLIVE CUSSLER, #1 New York Times bestseller

"Dan Brown is my new must-read. THE DA VINCI CODE is fascinating and absorbing -- perfect for history buffs, conspiracy nuts, puzzle lovers or anyone who appreciates a great, riveting story. I loved this book."
—HARLAN COBEN, New York Times bestselling author of Tell No One

"The Da Vinci Code sets the hook-of-all-hooks, and takes off down a road that is as eye-opening as it is page-turning. You simply cannot put this book down. Thriller readers everywhere will soon realize Dan Brown is a master."
—VINCE FLYNN, New York Times bestselling author of Separation of Power

"I would never have believed that this is my kind of thriller, but I'm going to tell you something--the more I read, the more I had to read. In The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown has built a world that is rich in fascinating detail, and I could not get enough of it. Mr. Brown, I am your fan."
—ROBERT CRAIS, New York Times bestselling author of Hostage

About the Author

DAN BROWN is the author of numerous #1 international bestsellers, including The Da Vinci Code, Inferno, The Lost Symbol, Angels & Demons, Deception Point, and Digital Fortress.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

1

Robert Langdon awoke slowly.

A telephone was ringing in the darkness--a tinny, unfamiliar ring. He fumbled for the bedside lamp and turned it on. Squinting at his surroundings he saw a plush Renaissance bedroom with Louis XVI furniture, hand-frescoed walls, and a colossal mahogany four-poster bed.

Where the hell am I?

The jacquard bathrobe hanging on his bedpost bore the monogram:

HOTEL RITZ PARIS.

Slowly, the fog began to lift.

Langdon picked up the receiver. "Hello?"

"Monsieur Langdon?" a man's voice said. "I hope I have not awoken you?"

Dazed, Langdon looked at the bedside clock. It was 12:32 A.M. He had been asleep only an hour, but he felt like the dead.

"This is the concierge, monsieur. I apologize for this intrusion, but you have a visitor. He insists it is urgent."

Langdon still felt fuzzy. A visitor? His eyes focused now on a crumpled flyer on his bedside table.

THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF PARIS
proudly presents
An evening with Robert Langdon
Professor of Religious Symbology, Harvard University

Langdon groaned. Tonight's lecture--a slide show about pagan symbolism hidden in the stones of Chartres Cathedral--had probably ruffled some conservative feathers in the audience. Most likely, some religious scholar had trailed him home to pick a fight.

"I'm sorry," Langdon said, "but I'm very tired and--"

"Mais monsieur," the concierge pressed, lowering his voice to an urgent whisper. "Your guest is an important man."

Langdon had little doubt. His books on religious paintings and cult symbology had made him a reluctant celebrity in the art world, and last year Langdon's visibility had increased a hundred-fold after his involvement in a widely publicized incident at the Vatican. Since then, the stream of self-important historians and art buffs arriving at his door had seemed never-ending.

"If you would be so kind," Langdon said, doing his best to remain polite, "could you take the man's name and number, and tell him I'll try to call him before I leave Paris on Tuesday? Thank you." He hung up before the concierge could protest.

Sitting up now, Langdon frowned at his bedside Guest Relations Handbook, whose cover boasted: SLEEP LIKE A BABY IN THE CITY OF LIGHTS. SLUMBER AT THE PARIS RITZ.

He turned and gazed tiredly into the full-length mirror across the room. The man staring back at him was a stranger--tousled and weary.

You need a vacation, Robert.

The past year had taken a heavy toll on him, but he didn't appreciate seeing proof in the mirror. His usually sharp blue eyes looked hazy and drawn tonight. A dark stubble was shrouding his strong jaw and dimpled chin. Around his temples, the gray highlights were advancing, making their way deeper into his thicket of coarse black hair. Although his female colleagues insisted the gray only accentuated his bookish appeal, Langdon knew better.

If Boston Magazine could see me now.

Last month, much to Langdon's embarrassment, Boston Magazine had listed him as one of that city's top ten most intriguing people--a dubious honor that made him the brunt of endless ribbing by his Harvard colleagues. Tonight, three thousand miles from home, the accolade had resurfaced to haunt him at the lecture he had given.

"Ladies and gentlemen . . ." the hostess had announced to a full-house at The American University of Paris's Pavillon Dauphine, "Our guest tonight needs no introduction. He is the author of numerous books: The Symbology of Secret Sects, The Art of the Illuminati, The Lost Language of Ideograms, and when I say he wrote the book on Religious Iconology, I mean that quite literally. Many of you use his textbooks in class."

The students in the crowd nodded enthusiastically.

"I had planned to introduce him tonight by sharing his impressive curriculum vitae, however . . ." She glanced playfully at Langdon, who was seated onstage. "An audience member has just handed me a far more, shall we say . . . intriguing introduction."

She held up a copy of Boston Magazine.

Langdon cringed. Where the hell did she get that?

The hostess began reading choice excerpts from the inane article, and Langdon felt himself sinking lower and lower in his chair. Thirty seconds later, the crowd was grinning, and the woman showed no signs of letting up. "And Mr. Langdon's refusal to speak publicly about his unusual role in last year's Vatican conclave certainly wins him points on our intrigue-o-meter." The hostess goaded the crowd. "Would you like to hear more?"

The crowd applauded.

Somebody stop her, Langdon pleaded as she dove into the article again.

"Although Professor Langdon might not be considered hunk-handsome like some of our younger awardees, this forty-something academic has more than his share of scholarly allure. His captivating presence is punctuated by an unusually low, baritone speaking voice, which his female students describe as 'chocolate for the ears.''

The hall erupted in laughter.

Langdon forced an awkward smile. He knew what came next--some ridiculous line about "Harrison Ford in Harris tweed"--and because this evening he had figured it was finally safe again to wear his Harris tweed and Burberry turtleneck, he decided to take action.

"Thank you, Monique," Langdon said, standing prematurely and edging her away from the podium. "Boston Magazine clearly has a gift for fiction." He turned to the audience with an embarrassed sigh. "And if I find which one of you provided that article, I'll have the consulate deport you."

The crowd laughed.

"Well, folks, as you all know, I'm here tonight to talk about the power of symbols . . ."

* * *

The ringing of Langdon's hotel phone once again broke the silence.

Groaning in disbelief, he picked up. "Yes?"

As expected, it was the concierge. "Mr. Langdon, again my apologies. I am calling to inform you that your guest is now en route to your room. I thought I should alert you."

Langdon was wide awake now. "You sent someone to my room?"

"I apologize, monsieur, but a man like this . . . I cannot presume the authority to stop him."

"Who exactly is he?"

But the concierge was gone.

Almost immediately, a heavy fist pounded on Langdon's door.

Uncertain, Langdon slid off the bed, feeling his toes sink deep into the savonniere carpet. He donned the hotel bathrobe and moved toward the door. "Who is it?"

"Mr. Langdon? I need to speak with you." The man's English was accented--a sharp, authoritative bark. "My name is Lieutenant Jerome Collet. Direction Centrale Police Judiciaire."

Langdon paused. The Judicial Police? The DCPJ were the rough equivalent of the U.S. FBI.

Leaving the security chain in place, Langdon opened the door a few inches. The face staring back at him was thin and washed out. The man was exceptionally lean, dressed in an official-looking blue uniform.

"May I come in?" the agent asked.

Langdon hesitated, feeling uncertain as the stranger's sallow eyes studied him. "What is this is all about?"

"My capitaine requires your expertise in a private matter."

"Now?" Langdon managed. "It's after midnight."

"Am I correct that you were scheduled to meet with curator of the Louvre this evening? "

Langdon felt a sudden surge of uneasiness. He and the revered curator Jacques Saunière had been slated to meet for drinks after Langdon's lecture tonight, but Saunière had never shown up. "Yes. How did you know that?"

"We found your name in his daily planner."

"I trust nothing is wrong?"

The agent gave a dire sigh and slid a Polaroid snapshot through the narrow opening in the door.

When Langdon saw the photo, his entire body went rigid.

"This photo was taken less than an hour ago. Inside the Louvre."

As Langdon stared at the bizarre image, his initial revulsion and shock gave way to a sudden upwelling of anger. "Who would do this!"

"We had hoped that you might help us answer that very question. Considering your knowledge in symbology and your plans to meet with him."

Langdon stared at the picture, his horror now laced with fear. The image was gruesome and profoundly strange, bringing with it an unsettling sense of deja vu. A little over a year ago, Langdon had received a photograph of a corpse and a similar request for help. Twenty-four hours later, he had almost lost his life inside Vatican City. This photo was entirely different, and yet something about the scenario felt disquietingly familiar.

The agent checked his watch. "My captain is waiting, sir."

Langdon barely heard him. His eyes were still riveted on the picture. "This symbol here, and the way his body is so oddly . . ."

"Positioned?" the agent offered.

Langdon nodded, feeling a chill as he looked up. "I can't imagine who would do this to someone."

The agent looked grim. "You don't understand, Mr. Langdon. What you see in this photograph . . ." He paused. "Monsieur Saunière did that to himself."

2

One mile away, the hulking albino named Silas limped through the front gate of the luxurious brownstone residence on Rue la Bruyere. The spiked cilice belt that he wore around his thigh cut into his flesh, and yet his soul sang with satisfaction of service to the Lord.

Pain is good.

His red eyes scanned the lobby as he entered the residence. Empty. He climbed the stairs quietly, not wanting to awaken any of his fellow numeraries. His bedroom door was open; locks were forbidden here. He entered, closing the door behind him.

The room was spartan--hardwood floors, a pine dresser, a canvas mat in the corner that served as his bed. He was a visitor here this week, and yet for many years he had been blessed with a similar sanctuary in New York City.

The Lord has provided me shelter and purpose in my life.

Tonight, at last, Silas felt he had begun to repay his debt. Hurrying to the dresser, he found the cell phone hidden in his bottom drawer and placed a call to a private extension.

"Yes?" a male voice answered.

"Teacher, I have returned."

"Speak," the voice commanded, sounding pleased to hear from him.

"All four are gone. The three sénéchaux . . . and the Grand Master himself."

There was a momentary pause, as if for prayer. "Then I assume you have the information?"

"All four concurred. Independently."

"And you believed them?"

"Their agreement was too great for coincidence."

An excited breath. "Excellent. I had feared the brotherhood's reputation for secrecy might prevail."

"The prospect of death is strong motivation."

"So, my pupil, tell me what I must know."

Silas knew the information he had gleaned from his victims would come as a shock. "Teacher, all four confirmed the existence of the clef de voûte . . . the legendary keystone."

He heard a quick intake of breath over the phone and could feel the Teacher's excitement. "The keystone. Exactly as we suspected."

According to lore, the brotherhood had created a map of stone--a clef de voûte . . . or keystone--an engraved tablet that revealed the final resting place of the brotherhood's greatest secret...information so powerful that its protection was the reason for the brotherhood's very existence.

"When we possess the keystone," the Teacher said, "we will be only one step away."

"We are closer than you think. The keystone is here in Paris."

"Paris? Incredible. It is almost too easy."

Silas relayed the earlier events of the evening . . . how all four of his victims, moments before death, had desperately tried to buy back their godless lives by telling their secret. Each had told Silas the exact same thing--that the keystone was ingeniously hidden at a precise location inside one of Paris's ancient churches--the Eglise de Saint-Sulpice.

"Inside a House of the Lord," the Teacher exclaimed. "How they mock us!"

"As they have for centuries."

The Teacher fell silent, as if letting the triumph of this moment settle over him. Finally, he spoke. "You have done a great service to God. We have waited centuries for this. You must retrieve the stone for me. Immediately. Tonight. You understand the stakes."

Silas knew the stakes were incalculable, and yet what the Teacher was now commanding seemed impossible. "But the cathedral, it is a fortress. Especially at night. How will I enter?"

With the confident tone of man of enormous influence, the Teacher explained what was to be done.

* * *
When Silas hung up the phone, his skin tingled with anticipation.

One hour, he told himself, grateful that the Teacher had given him time to carry out the necessary penance before entering a house of God. I must purge my soul of today's sins. The sins committed today had been Holy in purpose. Acts of war against the enemies of God had been committed for centuries. Forgiveness was assured.

Even so, Silas knew, absolution required sacrifice.

Pulling his shades, he stripped naked and knelt in the center of his room. Looking down, he examined the spiked cilice belt clamped around his thigh. All true followers of The Way wore this device--a leather strap, studded with sharp metal barbs that cut into the flesh as a perpetual reminder of Christ's suffering. The pain caused by the device also helped counteract the desires of the flesh.

Although Silas already had worn his cilice today longer than the requisite two hours, he knew today was no ordinary day. Grasping the buckle, he cinched it one notch tighter, wincing as the barbs dug deeper into his flesh. Exhaling slowly, he savored the cleansing ritual of his pain.

Pain is good, Silas whispered, repeating the sacred mantra of Father Josemaria Escriva--the Teacher of all Teachers. Although Escriva had died in 1975, his wisdom lived on, his words still whispered by thousands of faithful servants around the globe as they knelt on the floor and performed the sacred practice known as "corporal mortification."

Silas turned his attention now to a heavy knotted rope coiled neatly on the floor beside him. The Discipline. The knots were caked with dried blood. Eager for the purifying effects of his own agony, Silas said a quick prayer. Then, gripping one end of the rope, he closed his eyes and swung it hard over his shoulder, feeling the knots slap against his back. He whipped it over his shoulder again, slashing at his flesh. Again and again, he lashed.

Castigo corpus meum.

Finally, he felt the blood begin to flow.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Anchor (March 31, 2009)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 597 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0307474275
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0307474278
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.19 x 1.41 x 7.51 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #278,960 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,041 in Science Fiction Crime & Mystery
- #3,594 in Historical Mystery
- #18,673 in Suspense Thrillers

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Dan Brown

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Dan Brown is the bestselling author of Digital Fortress, Deception Point, Angels and Demons, The Da Vinci Code, The Lost Symbol and most recently, Inferno. Three of his Robert Langdon novels have been adapted for the screen by Ron Howard, starring Tom Hanks. They have all been international blockbusters.

His new Robert Langdon thriller, Origin will be out on 3rd October 2017.

Dan Brown is a graduate of Amherst College and Phillips Exeter Academy, where he has taught English and Creative Writing. He lives in New England.

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Customers find the book enjoyable and entertaining. They describe the story as suspenseful, with clues and intrigue that keep readers hooked. The book provides thought-provoking insights into various aspects of religion and society. Readers praise the intelligent writing style and believable storytelling. They appreciate the fast-paced narrative and vivid descriptions that bring the detailed background to life.

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1,004 customers mention "Readability"978 positive26 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it engaging and entertaining, saying it doesn't disappoint. Readers mention it is a good and fast read that did not disappoint. The book is described as an amazing achievement and worthy of praise.

"The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is an international best seller that deals with a major cover up by the Christian church that spans thousands and..." Read more

"...As a thriller, it is one of the best I've ever read. It is intelligently written, with almost no excess material...." Read more

"...I'd have to agree with them, too: Overall it's a good, and fast, read...." Read more

"...that sticks to the spirit of the story, and the book as a more leisurely read that I can put down to think about the implications of things...." Read more

712 customers mention "Suspenseful story"655 positive57 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful story. They find it engaging with a deepening mystery that takes them on an intriguing journey. The book blends truth and fiction, weaving them together seamlessly. Readers appreciate the unexpected twists and turns that keep them hooked until the end. The story is described as entertaining and satisfying readers' craving for good stories.

"...So not only are we getting a fantastic suspense thriller in the book, we are also educating ourselves in the process!..." Read more

"...It is merely a work of fiction, for goodness sake! Apparently, however, anyone with a viewpoint that's even nominally different must be silenced...." Read more

"...Practically every chapter is a mini-cliffhanger. And yes, it is quite visual, but since we live in a movie/tv dominated world, is there any wonder?..." Read more

"...job, I likely would have read it all in one sitting because it was so suspenseful I didn’t want to put it down...." Read more

310 customers mention "Thought provoking"264 positive46 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking and engaging. It provides insights into various aspects of religion and history, sparking theological discussions. Readers appreciate the unique religious overtones and comprehensive society study. They also mention that the theory is interesting and the author did an incredible amount of research to put this story together. The book is filled with stories and facts about religion, the Bible, and the history of the Church.

"...He slowly lures you in and you'll definitely be saying to yourself "just one more chapter!"...." Read more

"...Every fact came alive, every clue was vivid. It was a totally immersive experience, like a turn-based video game...." Read more

"...has made the book so immensely popular is that it does do a nice job of popularizing (by way of the action/thriller genre) a griping spiritual, or..." Read more

".../London and the wealth of knowledge of art and architecture add to its exotic interest. Highly recommended...." Read more

250 customers mention "Writing quality"207 positive43 negative

Customers find the book intelligently written and easy to read. They appreciate the author's work and find the story believable. The way the different storylines are written separately and combined is compelling. Readers say it's a good book for anyone with an open mind and interest in a fictional/semi-historical story.

"...The writing is superb from Dan Brown and this I believe is the first book I have read from this popular author...." Read more

"...As a thriller, it is one of the best I've ever read. It is intelligently written, with almost no excess material...." Read more

"...a body of lore from art history, religious history, symbols, word etymologies, and legends...." Read more

"...The Illustrated Edition made the story faster, more colorful, and easier to read. The book is very beautiful...." Read more

147 customers mention "Pacing"121 positive26 negative

Customers enjoy the book's fast-paced story that keeps them engaged until the end. They praise the intricate weaving of details from art and history, as well as the beautifully executed storytelling that holds their attention until the satisfying conclusion.

"...I'd have to agree with them, too: Overall it's a good, and fast, read...." Read more

"...Super fast paced, very vivid descriptions, I was playing an action movie in my head the entire time I read...." Read more

"...I was able to enjoy both, the movie as fast-movie entertainment that sticks to the spirit of the story, and the book as a more leisurely read that..." Read more

"While the storyline of 'The DaVinci Code' is fast paced, it's predictable and rather preachy at times with Brown's knowledge of artworks and..." Read more

133 customers mention "Description"120 positive13 negative

Customers find the book's descriptions vivid and engaging. They appreciate the illustrations and photographs that bring the detailed background to life. The book provides a great visual sense of Rome's layout. Readers find the references to paintings, French words, and Church terminology interesting. The illustrated edition contains full-color photos of items mentioned in the book, such as a cilice belt. Overall, the book goes into more detail and brings out more of Langdon's character.

"...compounded my pleasure in reading this novel were the carefully chosen illustrations, generously interspersed throughout the Special Edition...." Read more

"...Super fast paced, very vivid descriptions, I was playing an action movie in my head the entire time I read...." Read more

"...Highly recommended. The illustrated edition is great. I liked having photographs of the places and artwork mentioned in the book...." Read more

"...Intriguing, charming and a fun read" Read more

79 customers mention "Character development"58 positive21 negative

Customers find the characters in the book engaging and well-developed. They appreciate the mystery and symbolism in the story, as well as the depiction of different personalities and beliefs. The book provides a good balance of drama, romance, and suspense, with plenty of action and imagery to keep readers hooked.

"...the bible, lots of things and the pictures help you see everything the characters are experiencing...." Read more

"...It has plenty of drama, narrow escapes, and a little romance...." Read more

"...Therefore, what I read from many reviewers is that due to shallow characters, they don't feel an emotional attachment to the story and that they do..." Read more

"...The end wasn’t at all what you expected. The characters had great depth." Read more

54 customers mention "Author"54 positive0 negative

Customers praise the author as a skilled and talented writer. They find the book entertaining and thought-provoking. The narration by Paul Michael is also appreciated.

"Just read it, guy is a genius!" Read more

"Excellent fiction, presented as real as fiction can get." Read more

"...Marvelous Mr. Brown, just marvelous. I highly recommend this as a read and hear book. I look forward to the another Dan Brown novel...." Read more

"Really good book from a great author!..." Read more

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Simon
Entertaining Indeed!
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2013
Verified Purchase
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is an international best seller that deals with a major cover up by the Christian church that spans thousands and thousands of years. Typically when you involve religion in the topic, it's bound to get many different types of reactions and feelings from the crowd and this is no different. I mean religion does sell right? This is the perfect example of an author cashing in on that aspect. However, when reading this book, I just took it for what it is and that is a book that is suppose to be highly suspenseful and an action thriller. Oh and of course, discovering the big mystery that is suppose to shake the Christian church to its foundation. The Da Vinci Code I can say without a shadow of a doubt, is an excellent book from start to finish provided that you take it for what it is. This can be very hard obviously if you yourself is a devoted Christian because you'll probably not like what the author says about your religion here in this book even though it's considered a fiction piece of work. If you can get past that though, this book is the ultimate definition of a page turner!

The Da Vinci Code basically is about what happens when everything is not as simple as we'd like things to be. We were always told the story of Jesus Christ through the Bible as it is suppose to detail an accurate picture of his life. But what if not everything we read is accurate and that the Bible is an actual cover up for the truth of what actually happened with Jesus Christ? Everyone loves a good conspiracy theory and The Da Vinci Code cashes in on that notion when members of an ultra secret brotherhood charged with protecting some important documents that reveal the actual truth about the life of Jesus Christ are murdered.

It's surprising to find out that the entire book takes place within the span of just one night. Not many authors can do this and I believe this author uses the same tactic with his other books as well. The problem here for many is that there just isn't enough time to develop the characters. Therefore, what I read from many reviewers is that due to shallow characters, they don't feel an emotional attachment to the story and that they don't care about the outcome. I usually promote strong character growth as well but I find the story in the Da Vinci Code good enough for me to give it a pass in this case.

The writing is superb from Dan Brown and this I believe is the first book I have read from this popular author. I find that the book immediately gripped me right from the beginning. I do admit that I had my doubts in the beginning. Like other readers, I usually find books on the best seller list as overrated but The Da Vinci Code is anything but that. The author really sets an incredible pace and he has a knack for not giving away too much all in one go. He slowly lures you in and you'll definitely be saying to yourself "just one more chapter!". Some might not like this as if I remember correctly, it's exactly at the halfway point of this book that the exact mystery is revealed to the readers.

As a thriller and mystery, you're going to get your usual doses of action set pieces and the author gives just enough to satisfy our thirsts without drowning us. What I also love about reading The Da Vinci Code is that the author sprinkles in a bit of historical education throughout the book. Those were definitely a blast to read through because typically, we normally don't relate or think about it from a historian's point of view. And believe it or not, you'll be rushing to your computer throughout the book searching for images that the author talks about. So not only are we getting a fantastic suspense thriller in the book, we are also educating ourselves in the process!

Whether you believe in what the author writes here is definitely up to you. Everyone loves a good conspiracy and I'm sure The Da Vinci Code stirred up a hornet's next when it was published. I personally am not a completely devoted and religious person but I do believe in a higher being. I definitely read this book with an open mind and it was pretty shocking to find what the author had to say although many others have reported that Dan Brown basically took the ideas of what other authors/historians have written in other lesser known books and used it here in The Da Vinci Code. Nonetheless, this book was a complete page turner and I could hardly put it down! I think this might take the spot for the fastest book read in my collection.

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Michael Birman
Devious visual fun
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2006
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Occasionally I pick some work of "popular fiction" that I think might be fun to read; it's shock therapy for my brain, which is so crammed with science that it rattles as I walk. I'd resisted reading The Da Vinci Code since 2003, thinking that any book this popular can't be any good. Can you say SNOB? But when I saw this Special Illustrated Edition (and the incessant drumbeat of publicity and shameless media linkage to the book, like the History Channel's "Da Vinci Decoded"), I finally broke-down and read it.

Dan Brown's book is a taut page turner. It deals with several rather controversial assertions (to say the least) about Christianity. Whether you choose to believe them or not is a personal decision. Many are taken from another controversial book published in 1982, Holy Blood, Holy Grail. As Mr. Brown's book is a work of Fiction, I just went along for the ride and disregarded all the hoopla. As a thriller, it is one of the best I've ever read. It is intelligently written, with almost no excess material. Some of Mr. Brown's plot choices puzzled me; like the strange attack of "the dumbs" afflicting his 3 allegedly brilliant protagonists late in the book when they're unable to identify a very famous scientist from rather obvious clues. Or their inability to identify the food item associated with that scientist, something any school child knows. Crucial to the plot, obvious to the reader, their sudden obtuseness was the only real fault - if it is a fault - that I could find in this otherwise exciting novel.

What really compounded my pleasure in reading this novel were the carefully chosen illustrations, generously interspersed throughout the Special Edition. Resembling an Oxford University Illustrated History in size and layout, reading the Special Edition was like reading a really exciting textbook (How rare is that?). Every fact came alive, every clue was vivid. It was a totally immersive experience, like a turn-based video game. And when we reached The Last Supper in the novel, visually flipping back and forth from text to painting was viscerally exciting! Those mysterious visual clues Da Vinci inserted into his magnificent painting are literally seared into my memory. I had gooseflesh for three days!

The Special Illustrated Edition of the Da Vinci Code accomplished what I intended: my brain no longer rattles as I walk. Unfortunately, the book (and the fun) had to end. If you haven't yet read it, I strongly recommend this Special Edition. Even if you have, this experience is unique, unlike any reading adventure I've ever had. You might enjoy rediscovering the mysteries that make reading the Da Vinci Code so enjoyable!

Postscript: As for those of you who wish to censor this book; who even censor positive reviews of this book (the instantaneous negative votes for every single positive review of The Da Vinci Code here at Amazon is as creepy as anything found in Dan Brown's Book!): censorship of ideas has never worked and never will! It reflects a strange feebleness of mind and an insecure, even frightened, faith! One can enjoy this novel without subscribing to the extraneous conspiracy theories the plot is draped upon. It is merely a work of fiction, for goodness sake! Apparently, however, anyone with a viewpoint that's even nominally different must be silenced. Now, where have we all seen that before?!

Mike Birman

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Kelly
Fantastic
Reviewed in Canada on August 21, 2024
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Love this book!!!

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Hardik
It's a paperback not a hardcover
Reviewed in India on November 22, 2024
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So the book I received was not any special edition HARDCOVER that I was willing to pay so much for, but it was a regular PAPERBACK, even different from the photo posted. Two pickup guys were not even smart enough to understand the issue even after I explained it to them and they denied the pickup but finally after weeks of complaining I was able to send it back to the seller. I thought I had fallen for a trap.

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Arghya Das
Marvellous!
Reviewed in India on October 14, 2024
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Awesome storyline .... Full of suspense. Should be a great purchase for one who like thriller and mystery!!!

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Arghya Das

Marvellous!
Reviewed in India on October 14, 2024
Awesome storyline .... Full of suspense. Should be a great purchase for one who like thriller and mystery!!!

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Mrs Theresa A Hector
Brilliant book, even better than the film !
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 19, 2024
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Excellent story, lots of action and a clever twist at the end. Very well written.
This novel helped to save the fortunes of Roslyn Chapel in Scotland. Well done Dan Brown !

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Mohin jassal
Wow!
Reviewed in India on April 3, 2024
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MUST HAVE! for a book collector. I thoroughly am impressed with this illustrated collector’s edition. It has been kept nicely at the store and delivered to me in a protective packaging. Now a Proud owner.

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