The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (2006, Paperback)

Your browser does not support JavaScript.To view this page, enable JavaScript if it is disabled or upgrade your browser.Click Here. Double your traffic. Get Vendio Gallery - Now FREE!#1 Worldwide Bestseller—More Than 80 Million Copies SoldAs millions of readers around the globe have already discovered, The Da Vinci Code isa reading experience unlike any other. Simultaneously lightning-paced, intelligent, and intricately layered with remarkable research and detail, Dan Brown's novel is a thrilling masterpiece—from its opening pages to its stunning conclusion.Product DetailsPaperback: 597 pagesPublisher: Anchor (March 31, 2009)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 0307474275ISBN-13: 978-0307474278Product Dimensions: 1.7 x 2.9 x 0.6 inchesShipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)Editorial ReviewsWith The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown masterfully concocts an intelligent and lucid thriller that marries the gusto of an international murder mystery with a collection of fascinating esoteria culled from 2,000 years of Western history. A murder in the silent after-hour halls of the Louvre museum reveals a sinister plot to uncovera secret that has been protected by a clandestine society since the days of Christ. The victim is a high-ranking agent of this ancient society who, in the moments before his death, manages to leave gruesome clues at the scene that only his granddaughter, noted cryptographer Sophie Neveu, and Robert Langdon, a famed symbologist, can untangle. Theduo become both suspects and detectives searching for not only Neveu's grandfather's murderer but also the stunning secret of the ages he was charged to protect. Mere steps ahead of the authorities and the deadly competition, the mystery leads Neveu and Langdon on a breathless flight through France, England, and history itself. Brown (Angels and Demons)has created a page-turning thriller that also provides an amazing interpretation of Western history. Brown's hero and heroine embark on a lofty and intriguing exploration of some of Western culture's greatest mysteries--from the nature of the Mona Lisa's smile to the secret of theHoly Grail. Though some will quibble with the veracity of Brown's conjectures, therein lies the fun. The Da Vinci Code is an enthralling read that provides rich food for thought. --Jeremy Pugh--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From Publishers WeeklyBrown's latest thriller (after Angels and Demons)is an exhaustively researched page-turner about secret religious societies, ancient coverups and savage vengeance. The action kicks off in modern-day Paris with the murder of the Louvre's chief curator, whose body is found laid out in symbolic repose at the foot of the Mona Lisa. Seizing control of the case are Sophie Neveu, a lovely French police cryptologist, and Harvard symbol expert Robert Langdon, reprising his role from Brown's last book. The two find several puzzling codes at the murder scene, all of which form a treasure map to the fabled Holy Grail.As their search moves from France to England, Neveu and Langdon are confounded by two mysterious groups-the legendary Priory of Sion, a nearly 1,000-year-old secret society whose members have included Botticelli and Isaac Newton, and the conservative Catholic organization Opus Dei. Both have their own reasons for wanting to ensure that the Grail isn't found. Brown sometimes ladles out too much religious historyat the expense of pacing, and Langdon is a hero in desperate need of more chutzpah. Still, Brown has assembled a whopper of a plot that will please both conspiracy buffs and thriller addicts.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From Library JournalWhen Brown regular Robert Langdon is called in to investigate the murder of a curator at the Louvre, he discovers that the body is surrounded by strange ciphers evidently linked to the paintings of Da Vinci-and a powerful relic protected by the Priory, a secret society towhich the artist belonged. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From BooklistIn a two-day span, American symbologist Robert Langdon finds himself accused of murdering the curator of the Louvre, on the run through the streets of Paris and London, and teamed up with French cryptologist Sophie Neveu to uncover nothing less than the secret location of the Holy Grail. It appears that a conservative Catholic bishop might be on the verge of destroying the Grail, which includes an alternate history of Christ that could bring down the church. Whoever isordering the deaths of the Grail's guardians--modern-day members of an ancient society descended from the famed Knights Templar--must be stopped before the treasure is lost forever. To do so, Langdon and Neveuhave to solve a series of ciphers and riddles while evading a tireless French police commander and a ruthless albino monk. Despite being hampered by clunky flashback sequences and place descriptions that read like tourist brochures, the story is full of brain-teasing puzzles and fascinating insights into religious history and art. Ultimately, Brown'sintricate plot delivers more satisfying twists than a licorice factory.Frank SennettCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. Review"Read the book and be enlightened." —The Washington Post Book World“A pulse-quickening, brain-teasing adventure.” —People“Thriller writing doesn't get any better than this.” —The Denver Post“Blockbuster perfection.”—The New York Times From the Inside FlapWhile in Paris on business, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon receives an urgent late-night phone call: the elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum. Near the body, police have found a baffling cipher. While working to solve the enigmatic riddle, Langdon is stunned to discover it leads to a trail of clues hidden in the works of Da Vinci -- clues visible for all to see -- yet ingeniouslydisguised by the painter.Langdon joins forces with a gifted French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu, and learns the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion -- an actual secret society whose membersincluded Sir Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci, amongothers. In a breathless race through Paris, London, and beyond,Langdon and Neveu match wits with a faceless powerbroker who seems to anticipate their every move. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle in time, the Priory's ancient secret -- and an explosive historical truth -- will be lost forever.THE DA VINCI CODEheralds the arrival of a new breed of lightning-paced, intelligent thriller?utterly unpredictable right up to its stunning conclusion.--This text refers to the Hardcoveredition. From the Back Cover"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"Intrigueand 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"DanBrown 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 Codesets 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"Iwould 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--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. About the AuthorDan Brown is the bestselling author of Digital Fortress, Angels & Demons, and Deception Point. He lives in New England. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.1Robert 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 PARISproudly presentsAn evening with Robert LangdonProfessor of Religious Symbology, Harvard UniversityLangdongroaned. 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."Langdonhad little doubt. His books on religious p