Theories of intertextuality suggest that meaning in a text can only ever be understood in relation to other texts; no work stands alone but is interlinked with the tradition that came before it and the context in which it is produced. This idea of intertextuality is crucial to understanding literary studies today. Graham Allen deftly introduces the topic and relates its significance to key theories and movements in the study of literature. The second edition of this important guide to intertextuality: Outlines the history and contemporary use of the term Incorporates a wealth of illuminating examples from literature and culture Includes a new, expanded conclusion on the future of intertextuality Examines the politics and aesthetics of the term Relates intertextuality to global cultures and new media. Looking at intertextuality in relation to structuralism, post-structuralism, deconstruction, postcolonialism, Marxism, feminism and psychoanalytic theory, this is a fascinating and useful guide for all students of literature and culture.

An ancient secret threatens to unleash a modern war in this international-bestselling “thriller on par with the best literature out there” (James Rollins). Jerusalem, 70 AD: As the invading Romans destroy the Holy Temple, a young Jewish boy is hidden away—chosen as the guardian of a great secret. And for seventy generations, the secret is kept safe . . . But now, in order to ignite a new conflict between Israel and the Arab world, a Jewish radical is prepared to reveal what has been hidden for centuries. The only ones who can stop the coming bloodshed are a beautiful young Palestinian journalist and two detectives—one Israeli, one Egyptian—in an unlikely alliance. As their separate searches for the truth intertwine, they discover there are some in this war-torn region who believe true peace can only be found in death . . . Full of the detail and in-depth knowledge only a bestselling author and true-life archaeologist could deliver, this is a “tightly-plotted, richly-observed, thought-provoking thriller” (Raymond Khoury). “Sussman, an archeologist, puts in plenty of satisfying twists and turns, and grounds the story in the violence and intrigue of the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” —Publishers Weekly

The Da Vinci code, has become a global phenomenon, and introduced millions of readers to a mysterious world where Leonardo Da Vinci encoded hidden meaning into his paintings;Strange symbols are engraved in a Scottish chapel. But how much of this is true. In A simple A-to-Z format this book explains.

Robert Langdon, while at the U.S. Capital Building, finds an object encoded with five symbols, which is an ancient invitation to usher its recipient into a long-lost world of esoteric wisdom. When Langdon's belived mentor, Peter Solomon, is kidnapped, he realizes his only hope of saving Peter is to accept this mystical invitation and follow wherever it leads him. Langdon is instantly plunged into a clandestine world of Masonic secrets, hidden history, and never-before-seen locations - all of which seem to be dragging him toward a single, inconceivable truth.

A thoughtful, well-written and entertaining discussion of the often speculative background to Dan Brown's best-selling novel. The intriguing backdrop to the The Da Vinci Code has proved even more interesting to many than the modern thriller that plays out against a canvas of history, interpretations of archaeological findings, ancient documents discovered in the Middle East, and speculations about the life and relationships of Jesus Christ. This fascinating book offers the questing mind an opportunity to look behind the story at the unfolding possibilities of its compelling background. Dan Brown's book would hardly have caused such a stir were readers not already questioning some of the dogma of their own belief systems. The author has written several books on a variety of subjects and is the former head of a university Department of English and the retired director of its publishing division.

Da Vinci Codeis a modern-day publishing phenomenon. With millions of copies in print, it is the most popular adult novel of the 21st Century. In an introductory note, author Dan Brown tells us that “all descriptions of documents and secret rituals . . . are accurate.” But are they? Many scholars and theologians have attacked the book and the “facts” on which it is based. Some claim that Brown is anti-Catholic. Book clubs, reading groups, dedicated web-sites and countless reviews and articles in magazines and newspapers worldwide have fueled the fire, makingDa Vinci Codenot only the most successful book of its kind ever, but also the most controversial. Now Martin Lunn, an expert historian, reveals the truth behind Dan Brown’s research. The reality of Catholic offshoot Opus Dei . . . the hard facts about the bloodline of Christ and King David . . . the origins of the Knights Templar and the infamous Priory of Sion . . . the secrets of Temple Church and Rosslyn Cathedral . . . the real Saunière . . . the mysteries of Rennes-le-Château and much more. Da Vinci Code Decodedalso provides an exhaustive tour of the locations visited by the novel’s characters: The Louvre Museum, l’Eglise de Saint-Sulpice and Rue Haxo in Paris; Château Villette; Temple Church; Westminster Abbey; Newton’s tomb; Chapter House; St. Faith’s Chapel; Rosslyn Chapel and many others. Martin Lunnis a recognized expert in the Davidic bloodline and other issues presented inDa Vinci Code. He has a masters degree in history and an extensive background in journalism. He has lived throughout the Far and Middle East, the US and several countries in Europe, currently residing in Barcelona. He is also Grand Master of the Dragon Society, founded originally in 1408 by King Sigismund of Hungary.