Review of Decoding the Lost Symbol By Simon Cox

The Unauthorized Expert Guide to the Facts Behind the Fiction

Jan 24, 2010
Paym Bergson

Decoding the Lost Symbol by Simon Cox - cover courtesy of FSB Associates

Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol could be viewed as alternative history. Decoding The Lost Symbol is a reference/philosophy aide to help determine the truth and the fiction.

Simon Cox is a well-known writer of guides to many alternative histories, including King Arthur and Atlantis. Having already published three guides to deciphering Dan Brown's accomplishments, his latest addition Decoding The Lost Symbol: The Unauthorized Expert Guide To The Facts Behind The Fiction is as interesting as the book it helps to demystify.

Deeper into Dan Brown's Themes

Set out alphabetically (as most of his other writings), Decoding The Lost Symbol delves longer and deeper into the themes brought forth by Dan Brown. Fact and Fiction are separated (when they can be); more information on Noetic Science is revealed. But it is the way the facts are woven into their own story, standing on their own, where Cox surpasses creating a guide and instead provides a reference companion. Suggestions for further reading and sites for those seeking even more knowledge are generously supplied.

Cox's introduction shows his passion and personal quest to determine the symbols woven from one book to the next ("who will help the widow's son", "33") and the biblical references that continue throughout the book. Myths are explored and exposed, as are truths and the stretching of said truths (there is a crypt in Washington's Tomb but it was never used to hold a flame).

Freemasonry and Noetic Science

While The Lost Symbol purposely plays on perceived ignorance and misconceptions of Freemasonry, Cox quickly counteracts with a concise summary of history and the true ritual meanings. He then expands to show readers how many other organizations use a similar structure to Freemasons but for a more sinister end: Klu Klux Clan is but one example. This helps readers to understand their own prejudice for that which is different and not easily accessible (a recurring theme in Dan Brown's work).

The section on Noetic Science gives the history and background of IONS (Institute of Noetic Science), as well as relevant names and events. The spike of REGs on September 11, 2001 is more fully explained, as is Lynne McTaggert's contribution (she was mentioned as a reason for Katherine Solomon's research into the field).

Bottom Line

Decoding The Lost Symbol: The Unauthorized Expert Guide To The Facts Behind The Fiction by Simon Cox helps readers to understand the complexity of Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol. The style is engaging and the book stands on its own as a separate reader. Rather than just being a guide, it is an important companion to reading and interpreting personal beliefs gleaned from The Lost Symbol.

Book courtesy of FSB Associates.

Reference

Cox, Simon. Decoding The Lost Symbol: The Unauthorized Expert Guide To The Facts Behind The Fiction. New York, NY USA: Touchstone, a Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc., 2009