In the lead-up to this week's release of The Da Vinci Code movie, The Scotsman is offering a series of video podcasts on Rosslyn Chapel near Edinburgh, as well as a collection of links and news stories related to the enigmatic structure. Each day this week will feature a new podcast, so either check back regularly, or do the whole experience on Friday. One of the experts consulted is Mark Oxbrow, whose excellent book Rosslyn and the Grail (Amazon UK) was featured (article and review) in Issue 3 of our free online mag Sub Rosa.

One of the central props in the storyline of The Da Vinci Code is the 'cryptex', said to be designed by Leonardo Da Vinci. There are some modern makers of these artistic safety boxes though, like Justin Nevins who even supplied some of his creations to Dan Brown (receiving a glowing testimonial in return). Turns out that Justin was also very close to being the manufacturer of the prop for the movie, through a very creative bit of self-promotion - you can read about it in this recent news story. Anyone interested in having their very own personal cryptex can order one through Justin's website Cryptex.org.

Authors Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh have asked for more time to pay their court costs in the wake of the Da Vinci copyright court case in London. The co-authors of Holy Blood, Holy Grail have been ordered to disclose their financial details to the courts, and have been told by Justice Smith that they risk being declared bankrupt.

The Scotsman has an interesting piece regarding the enigmatic Rosslyn Chapel cubes and the alleged musical code that can be found inscribed on their surfaces. There's some interesting history discussed in the article, and the article also gives you the chance to listen to the music that has been 'decoded' which has been recorded by a choral group. Thanks Kat for the heads-up.

As if we weren't far enough down the Da Vinci Code rabbit hole, a surprise revelation has shocked just about everyone involved in the recent Da Vinci copyright court case in London. It has emerged that Justice Peter Smith - known affectionately as 'Smithy' - inserted a ciphered message within his judgement on the case. It begins with the two words "Smithy Code", and then is followed by what appears to be 31 random letters. I've set up a page dedicated to the Smithy Code, in which I list the 25 letters and my thoughts on possible solutions - if anyone wishes to add their opinion or solution feel free to go ahead.

Update: The Smithy Code is cracked.

Google and Sony have announced a huge promotional contest in the lead-up to the movie version of The Da Vinci Code. The Da Vinci Code Quest on Google is set to kick off on April 17th (the 18th for Australians) with over three weeks of code-solving required:

The Da Vinci Code involves a thrilling murder investigation that unearths a secret that could change the course of history. The film opens on May 19th worldwide.

Beginning on April 17th you will embark on a quest that requires skill, intellect, and perseverance. For 24 days, you will encounter unique challenges. These daily puzzles will pull you deeper into the world of The Da Vinci Code. Answer all 24 puzzles correctly for a chance to win untold riches. Only the worthy will prevail.

The competition is divided into three territories - the U.S., the U.K. and Australia (and boy do us Aussies get the shabby prize pool!). Considering that Sony is involved, one wonders whether the competition will involve the many ciphers found in the movie trailer and on the website (see the essay on this site which gives the answers to The Da Vinci Code ciphers so far). Needless to say, we'll try and keep a running commentary up on the competition (your input is welcomed!).

The BBC is reporting that the judge has ruled in favour of Dan Brown and Random House in the London copyright court case (ruling against Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh, two of the three authors of Holy Blood, Holy Grail). Brown has been quoted as saying:

I'm pleased with today's outcome, not only from a personal standpoint, but also as a novelist. Books are an important part of our culture, and this is a good day both for those who write and for those who enjoy reading.

It still looks like his next novel, The Solomon Key, is some way off with Brown saying "After devoting so much time and energy to this case, I'm eager to get back to writing my new novel." A summary of the judge's ruling is available here, which also has a link to the full ruling in PDF format.

In what is said to be a complete coincidence (though my cynicism runneth over), March 28th saw the release in the U.S. of books by both Dan Brown and his court adversary Michael Baigent. Five million paperback copies of The Da Vinci Code were (finally) released to U.S. stores, which will no doubt add to the 12 million hardcovers already sold (and 40 million copies worldwide), in anticipation of the movie version of the novel which is due for release May 19th...and no doubt the current court publicity has played out nicely as well.

Meanwhile, Baigent's embargoed book The Jesus Papers (Amazon US and UK) came dancing out of the shadows as well with an initial print run of 150000, to sit (at this moment) at #2 on Amazon.com's charts:

As a religious historian and a leading expert in the field of arcane knowledge, Baigent has unequaled access to hidden archives, secret societies, Masonic records, and the private collections of antiquities traders and their moneyed clients...The evidence he has uncovered has lead him to make shocking new assertions that threaten the conventional account of Jesus's life and death and shake the very foundation of Western thought, based as it is upon the assumption of Jesus's divinity.

For full details about the book, visit the Harper Collins website which has a full synoposis and also a chapter excerpt.

The Guardian has an insightful commentary on the 'intellectual snobbery' which seems to have enveloped discussion of Dan Brown and The Da Vinci Code. Referring to the current copyright lawsuit in London, it goes on:

But the sneering literary set would really like to try him for something completely different. To them, he is guilty of the heinous crime of writing something that a lot of people wanted to read and tell their friends about...The problem is, that's not actually against the law.

I have to agree completely with this article. I've seen a number of people, who were originally completely enthusiastic about the success of a novel on these topics, who now act snobbish and criticise TDVC for poor research and 'pop' writing. Get over it people, it's meant as a fun read!

For those following the court case over The Da Vinci Code and alleged plagiarism from Holy Blood, Holy Grail, here’s a sampling of the stories covering the trial (roughly chronological):

• The case begins.
• Michael Baigent’s family talks to reporters while the man himself is grilled on the stand.
• Dan Brown’s witness statement (all 68 pages). I’ll have plenty more to say about this in another update.
• Dan Brown takes to the stand, and expresses his shock at being sued for plagiarism.
• Dan struggles to follow the arguments of Baigent and Leigh’s lawyer.
• Brown explains how his wife played a huge role in the writing of The Da Vinci Code.
• And also passes out the secrets to his novel-writing success.
• Questions arise as to why Brown’s copy of Holy Blood, Holy Grail is so damaged if he hardly used it as a source. In a further update, Brown disputes some evidence, due to British grammar being used in the document (which was supposedly written by his American wife).
• Baigent and Leigh’s lawyer - and the judge himself - question Brown’s ignorance of the primacy of Holy Blood, Holy Grail to ‘Jesus bloodline’ theories.
• Authors Baigent and Leigh were told by publishers: "Don’t be fools". Also remarks that the case may be due to Baigent and Leigh’s desire to sell the film rights to their book.
• Brown admits that he used a number of ideas from Holy Blood, Holy Grail, but also used many other sources.

The case is expected to wrap up early next week, although the decision could take over a month to be handed down. Feel free to vote in our poll over at The Daily Grail on the topic!