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.

What secrets lie at the heart of America? Discover the hidden reality behind Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol . . . and America itself. Just as there is only one Dan Brown, there is also only one secrets team that has achieved worldwide bestselling success by exposing the truth beneath Brown’s bestselling novels. Dan Burstein and Arne de Keijzer have gathered together world-class authorities—from scientist Richard Dawkins, noetics expert Lynne McTaggart, and religious scholar Karen Armstrong to journalist Jeff Sharlet (author of The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power), mathematician and science historian Amir Aczel, FBI consultant Michael Barkun, 33° Freemason Arturo de Hoyos, and a host of renowned philosophers, symbologists, code breakers, art historians, writers, thinkers, and experts on the occult—to give readers the essential tools to understand the conspiracies, codes, cutting-edge science, cultural controversies, and suppressed history at the center of The Lost Symbol . . . and the very founding of the United States of America. Which Founding Fathers were members of secret societies? What is the true background of the Ancient Mysteries? Does The Lost Symbol have a hidden religious agenda? What is the actual role of Freemasons in American history? What do the hidden codes embedded in the novel tell us?

"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.

The countdown to oblivion has started - who will stop the clock? A famous scientist is found dead, a mysterious symbol burned into his skin. Many miles away in Rome, the world's cardinals gather to elect a new pope. Little do they know that beneath their feet, a vast bomb has started to tick. Professor Robert Langdon must work out the link between these two seemingly unconnected events if he is stop the Vatican being blown sky high. 'A breathless, real-time adventure' San Francisco Chronicle

From the team that brought you the bestselling SECRETS OF THE CODE and SECRETS OF ANGELS AND DEMONS comes the first literary companion to Dan Brown's latest blockbuster. SECRETS OF THE LOST SYMBOL builds upon the expertise and wisdom of Nobel prize-winning scientists, historians, technologists and conspiracy theorists to help readers fully understand the mysteries behind THE LOST SYMBOL. Featuring extracts, interviews and specially commissioned commentary by world-renowned scholars, SECRETS OF THE LOST SYMBOL presents a wealth of information on the vast range of subjects covered in the novel. Using the same comprehensive, detailed approach as Burstein's previous books, SECRETS OF THE SYMBOL will deconstruct and delve into the provocative issues raised by Brown's novel - including the history of Freemasonry. This book is for everyone who finished THE LOST SYMBOL thinking, 'I need to know more about this book.'

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.