Beyond the Da Vinci Code: From the Rose Line to the ... (ISBN 0760766258)

Let's be fair:
The last reviewer was hardly fair in his comments. A quick Google search of Shakyamuni and the legend of Queen Maya and the white elephant would have shown him that the story told in this book is widespread, even if that reviewer isn't familiar with it. There are many forms of Buddhism and many versions of Buddhist myths. An Indian version isn't "wrong" because it isn't known in Thailand, for example. The mention of Buddhism in this book is only a few lines and is not a fair basis on which to review the book. The book is about The Da Vinci Code, and to assume that the author was wrong about everything because she referred to a version of Buddhist myth that the reviewer doesn't know is not logical.

Interesting and Useful:
Sangeet Duchane's book generally points out the lack of truth in the fiction written by Dan Brown in his book "The Da Vinci Code"...including the use of the words Da Vinci in his book. The footnotes are reasonably unobtrusive, but present, as references to corroborating sources adding credibility to Duchane's arguments. While much has been made of Brown's fiction, I think the epilogue of Duchane's book puts Brown's book into human perspective. As a species we are constantantly looking for something new, something better, something honorable, and inherently GOOD. Given the uncertain and presence of evil in our everyday world, we seek the good through myth. It raises our conscience, our hopes and our dreams for something better. In doing so, myth provides us with a new challenge to seek the honorable and the noble that could be part of our world. And so, while I appreciate the "debunking" of Dan Brown's fiction of the 12 chapters, and some insight into the uncertainty of the development and history of Christianity, it is in the Reflections epilogue that Duchane stands out and gives us a perspective that is truly useful. ross koning

An excellent readable overview:
I have to admit that I bought this book with some trepidation. I dislike all the popularity surrounding Dan Brown's book and refuse to add to his coffers by buying the book itself. I avoid buying books that make obvious attempts to make money off its popularity. Having said that, I must admit, there was something about the cover and look of this book that made me pick it up and look inside anyway. I am glad I did. The book is published on excellent quality paper (glossy magazine quality) and in a binding that is beyond reproach. It is, without doubt, a very 'pretty' book that could adorn any coffee table. Imagine my surprise when I also found it to be not only a very 'pretty' book but an exceptionally intelligent book. The research presented in this book could of been published in paperback, without any of the glossy imagery and still been a very worthy publication. However, this book transcends that approach. It is littered with the most beautiful colour reproductions that relate, in some way, to the text. Ms Duchane does an excellent job in her appraisal of both popular and more archaic texts in the context of Brown's book. Any person who has read the work of Brown or books such as Baigent, Leigh and Lincoln's Holy Blood Holy Grail (they sued Brown and lost - another story) should take the time to read this rather considered review of their 'source' material. Indeed, anybody with an interest in the relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene should read the book. The consideration of the Templars is a little superficial so don't expect much in that regard. Disregard the Arthurian mythology references as they are so brief as not to be worth a mention. Although I don't agree with everything Ms Duchane has to say I really do think that this is a well considered and presented book. This is a coffee table book you can read. It would be interesting to hear Baigent and Leigh's response to what Ms Duchante has written.

More worthless reading:
aside from the nice paper quality and binding, this is a book NOT worth having on your bookshelf. it contradicts itself as much as it tries to discredit dan brown. it uses fantasy and fact to misdirect the reader. page 86 tells us that, "...there is no evidence that the New testament was was rewritten in the fourth century at the direction of Constantine." page 87 tells us that, "...Council of Carthage in 397...Constantine ordered Eusebius to put together fifty Bibles with approved texts to make an official Christian Bible...It is possible that Constantine's Bible had an influence...but we cannot say." she denies the point of view, presents evidence can could justify a differing point of view, then tells us that it is inaccurate spin on history. duhh!! brown wrote a FICTION novel based on facts, spun for entertainment purposes. similar to what Oliver Stone did with JFK. the truth comes out eventually, why else would it be criticized and discredited so much?

A rose line of it's own:
Excellent book for those who would like help in seperating fact from fiction in the Da Vinci Code. The point by point format,with illustrations and most importantly, the authors supporting facts and arguments is perfect for addressing most of the many questions raised by the best selling book.