20-02-05, 14:29 | #1 |
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Art experts and historians are staging what has been described as a mock trial to examine the claims made in hit novel The Da Vinci Code. The "trial" is being held in Vinci, Italy, and an opening statement was made by Alessandro Vezzosi, director of a Leonardo Da Vinci museum, on Friday. "Leonardo is misrepresented and belittled," he said beforehand. No-one will represent the book but many fans are expected to attend. The book has sold 7.5 million copies worldwide. Many readers assume the story, linking Da Vinci with a secret society that has held the secret of the Holy Grail for centuries, is completely true. 'Absurd' Author Dan Brown has said: "All of the art, architecture, secret rituals, secret societies, all of that is historical fact." But the book has sparked heated debate among historians, many of whom have dismissed Mr Brown's version of events and his central claim that Jesus had a child with Mary Magdalene and the Holy Grail is their bloodline. The "trial" is taking place at the Palazzina Uzielli in Vinci, near Florence, Da Vinci's hometown. The town's vicar, Monsignor Renato Bellini, said the book gave an inaccurate view of Catholic society Opus Dei. "This book depicts the movement as a mysterious centre of political and economic power that tries to hide the historical truth on Jesus and Magdalene, which is absurd," he said. 'Misunderstood genius' A representative of Opus Dei would take part in the mock tribunal, he added. Mr Vezzosi, director of the Museo Ideale Leonardo Da Vinci in the town, said he would produce documents and photographs to prove many of the claims about the legendary artist were false. "His importance is misunderstood, he was a man full of fantasy, inventions and genius," he said. As well as the original novel, published in 2003, another 10 books have been written to debunk its claims and a booming tourist industry has sprung up around its sites in France and the UK. Story bbc.co.uk |
20-02-05, 14:56 | #2 |
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Very interesting article!
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20-02-05, 15:45 | #3 | |
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20-02-05, 17:52 | #4 |
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After reading the Da Vinci Code, I do honestly believe Jesus had a child with Mary Magdalene and the Holy Grail is their bloodline. Maybe I am easily led, I don't know, but it was a fascinating read none the less. I wonder how this "trial" will turn out?
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20-02-05, 18:33 | #5 |
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I recommend you all to watch the documentary "Unvealing The Da Vinci Code".
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20-02-05, 18:52 | #6 |
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It's already known that a lot of the evidence used in this book was a hoax. One of the original hoaxers wrote a book about how he carried out that hoax. The hoax upon which the other well known book The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail was based.
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20-02-05, 23:15 | #7 |
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I loved Da Vinci Code. Very interesting read, but like these people are saying, it is a novel after all, not a history book.
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20-02-05, 23:31 | #8 |
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I really enjoyed the book. It's a great story, but only a story..
I see that they run "Da Vinci Code" guided tours in Paris for the Americans. Whatever next.. |
21-02-05, 10:12 | #9 | |
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21-02-05, 13:10 | #10 |
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Like the author, who asserts it's all fact.
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