Book Description
Nationally recognized researcher Richard Abanes, author of Harry Potter and the Bible, looks at three of the most fascinating people in history: Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene, and Leonardo Da Vinci. Based on his extensive research, Abanes explores the answers to many of the questions that Dan Brown’s fictional thriller, The Da Vinci Code, raises The Truth About the Da Vinci Code by bestselling author Richard Abanes is a user-friendly and easy-to-understood reference source for anyone wanting to make an informed decision about the claims made in Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. Unlike other books that may appear in response to Brown's riveting novel, Abanes' book will be concise (96-pages), inexpensive, and formated in such as way as to help Christians and non-Christians alike find the facts they need in order to form their own conclusions about the contents of Brown's volume. Each chapter of The Truth About the Da Vinci Code includes a short introductory section so readers can gain a greater understanding of the issues, then immediately provide a point/counter-point segment that details some of the most fascinating and controversial statements contained Dan Brown's book. Using this format will enable readers to find quick answers to some of their most pressing questions: Does Brown's novel accurately present history in general? Is it true that Jesus was married? Was Mary Magdalene supposed to take over the church as Christ's successor? What is the Holy Grail? Who were the Knights Templar? How did the secretive Priory of Sion come into existence? Can the Bible be trusted? What are the Lost Gospels? Was Christianity built upon "the greatest cover-up in human history"? Using his expertise in the area of fringe religious groups, mythology, and occult literature, Abanes provides a fascinating answer to what so many reviewers have been saying about Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code -- i.e., it is all based on verifiable facts and documented events in history. If you, too, feel this way, then The Truth About the Da Vinci Code is the next book you must read. It might just change your mind. It will, at the very least, give you a lot to think about. Join Richard Abanes as he "de-codes" one of the most controversial novels of our time and goes behind the scenes to separate fact from fiction. This is a quick reference guide for all readers. And the documentation is impeccable.

From the Inside Flap
Through Dan Brown's book The Da Vinci Code, you discover a lot of shocking facts about history and Christianity . . . or do you? The Code: Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene, whom he named leader of the church before his death. The Truth: This claim has no support even from the Gnostic Gospels mentioned in Brown's book, let alone from historical data. The Code: Since the year 1099, a supersecret society called "The Priory of Sion" has preserved knowledge of Jesus and Mary's descendants. The Truth: Today's "Priory of Sion" was founded in the early 1960s by a French con man who falsified documents o support the story of Jesus' "bloodline." The Code: As a "Priory" leader and pagan goddess-worshiper, leonardo Da Vinci coded secret knowledge about Jesus nad Mary into his paintings. The Truth: Da Vinci had no known ties to any secret Societies. Any obscure images in his paintings likely reflect his personal creativity. Probing, factual, and revealing. The Truth Behind the Da Vinci Code gives you the straightforward information you need to dig through the fiction and unearth the facts.

About the Author
As a nationally recognized authority on cults and religions, Richard Abanes has spent more than ten years in the field as an author and journalist. In 1997 he received The Myers Center Award for the Study of Human Rights in North America for his "outstanding work on intolerance in North America." Among his dozen-plus books is the bestselling Harry Potter and the Bible, as well as One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church, and Journey Into the Light: Exploring Near Death Experiences. Abanes has been a guest on hundreds of radio and television programs including those on BBC radio, MSNBC, Fox Television Network, and ABC. He has spoken at events held by numerous organizations including The Simon Wiesenthal Center, Mensa, and the Skeptic Society.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Nationally recognized researcher Richard Abanes, author of Harry Potter and the Bible , looks at three of the most fascinating people in history: Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene, and Leonardo Da Vinci. Based on his extensive research, Abanes explores the answers to many of the questions that Dan Brown's fictional thriller, The Da Vinci Code , raises: Are Da Vinci's paintings really full of clues about an alternative religion? Were Jesus and Mary Magdalene married? Has the church suppressed the truth about the "Lost Gospels"? What is the real nature of the Holy Grail?