Much of what I wanted to say has been covered by a couple of detailed reviews prior to mine. In fact, I must say that I liked this book more than the The Da Vinci Code because I didn't have to deal with the fictional plot at all. I am happy to see that a previous reviewer has provided a "recommended reading list" on Gnosticism. Besides all the other books on Gnosticism, I would strongly suggest reading The Rozabal Line. Even though this is more like reading a Da Vinci novel, the fiction is layered with historical and religious material that sheds a great deal of light on the early influences on the Gnostics. While Secrets of the Code will help you understand the types of Gnostic material that is out there, Rozabal gets to the heart of the Eastern traditions and spirituality that possibly influenced much of these Gnostic traditions.

Like many readers, I was fascinated with the historical background surrounding Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code," but like many readers was left with a lot of questions once I finished the book. Dan Burstein's "Secrets of the Code: The Unauthorized Guide to the Mysteries Behind the Da Vinci Code" is a great compilation of experts writing on a variety of topics all related to the book, "The Da Vinci Code." The individuals included are experts in their chosen fields, from archaeology to religion. The arguments in the book cover a wide range of opinion on any given topic and do not always agree with each other. Indeed, this is the strength of the book. Where many others have written books seeking to present findings about "The Da Vinci Code" from a particular slant, Burstein simply presents it all, and allows readers to make up their own minds.

"Secrets of the Code" addresses a wide range of questions related to the book, including some of the following: Who was Mary Magdalene? How did the early Christians view their religion (including Jesus)? What role do codes and numbers play in "The Da Vinci Code"? What is Dan Brown's background, and how did that contribute to the story? And, of course, there are many many more topics too numerous to list.

"Secrets of the Code" also includes a great reference list with details about other books on topics of interest, such as the Knights Templar. Burstein has also included some insider information on Dan Brown's next book, which is said to feature early US history, Washington, DC, and masonic rituals. I learned so much from this book...and I highly recommend it as a jumping off point for even more reading for those who were intrigued by "The Da Vinci Code"!

I was highly interested in Dan Burstein's expose of Brown's Da Vinci Code for the first half of the 626 page book but after that he wandered off into every other book or play with the same plot that is out there and goes into Brown's life and schooling etc. If you want a bio of Dan Brown, then the 2nd half is great but I found it rather boring and not telling anything about the controversial "secrets". That is done well enough in the first 200 pages --giving both pros and cons of the various themes brought on in Brown's book.
One thing that irked me was how he continuously gives Brown so much credit for being the "first" to bring all the Mary Magdalene/Jesus/Templar hidden knowledge to light. This was not new territory to those who have been studying the underground, hidden religion for years. Another book, The Secret Order, which was every bit as informative and entertaining as Brown's book was published 2 months before and covered the same story and subject matter. If you want a very good enlightening and uplifting book then I suggest you read The Secret Order.

More informative than the Da Vinci Code itself. The number of simple, factual errors in DVC such as unchecked Paris geography was quite remarkable. Nonetheless, DVC has helped generate a questioning attitude towards received dogma which I believe to be healthy and the Unauthorized Guide helps to further stimulate that interest.

Time is money. Money is everything. When a book about a hot book is rushed through the development process to hit the stores at the right time, slopiness prevails.

I found the wealth of information balanced and interesting. But too many typos and even shredded, repeated lines do not lend credence to an overall book. Shabby editing and copyediting make one feel the research may be shabby too. That's why I've given it a "C" rating. It shot itself in the foot.