The Da Vinci Code

novel by Brown

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July 16, 2026

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The Da Vinci Code is a 2003 novel by American author Dan Brown. It is the second book in the Robert Langdon series, featuring a Harvard symbology professor. The plot follows Langdon as he attempts to solve a murder at the Louvre Museum, uncovering secrets related to art history, the origins of Christianity, and theories about Leonardo da Vinci's art. The novel explores controversial ideas, such as the possibility of Jesus marrying Mary Magdalene and the existence of the Holy Grail. Despite criticism from some scholars, the book achieved immense popularity, selling over 80 million copies and being translated into numerous languages. It was also adapted into a film starring Tom Hanks.12

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Dan Brown
The Robert Langdon series and The Da Vinci Code
…Brown returned to Langdon with The Da Vinci Code, whose plot revolves around art history, Christianity’s origins, and arcane theories. Attempting to solve the murder of the Louvre’s curator, Langdon encounters mysterious organizations (Opus Dei and the Priory of Sion), discusses the hidden messages in Leonardo da Vinci’s art, raises…
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…Brown returned to Langdon with The Da Vinci Code, whose plot revolves around art history, Christianity’s origins, and arcane theories. Attempting to solve the murder of the Louvre’s curator, Langdon encounters mysterious organizations (Opus Dei and the Priory of Sion), discusses the hidden messages in Leonardo da Vinci’s art, raises…
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Opus Dei
Controversies
novelist Dan Brown’s best-selling mystery The Da Vinci Code (2003), which portrays the organization as a society rife with ultraconservative members promoting arcane and dangerous beliefs. Pointing to its continued growth and membership that has included people of various social classes, Opus Dei denied these accusations.
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novelist Dan Brown’s best-selling mystery The Da Vinci Code (2003), which portrays the organization as a society rife with ultraconservative members promoting arcane and dangerous beliefs. Pointing to its continued growth and membership that has included people of various social classes, Opus Dei denied these accusations.
Read More