Deciphering The Lost Symbol
Freemasons, Myths and Mysteries of Washington, D.C.
by Christopher L. Hodapp, 33°
Ulysses Press, 2010
Brief Review by Travis Simpkins
Quickly released on the heels of the publication of The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown, Christopher Hodapp's Deciphering The Lost Symbol: Freemasons, Myths and Mysteries of Washington, D.C. sought to clarify and elaborate on the elements and concepts introduced in Brown's new bestseller. In many ways Deciphering The Lost Symbol is a sequel/rewrite of Hodapp's previous book, Solomon's Builders, which had been written as a preemptive exploration of Brown's then-unreleased novel. My previous notes on Solomon's Builders can be read HERE.
As can be expected, some of the material in this book is a repeat of that contained in the pages of its predecessor. However, so much generalized ground was covered in the first book, that the aim of this text is focused on specific parts of Dan's Brown published book… offering due praise to the things he got right and refuting any misdirected fictional plot lines. Hodapp's two books really act as compliments to one another in numerous ways. The covered chapters and topics include origins of the Freemasons, Masonic rituals, symbolism hidden in the cover art, magic squares, the Apotheosis of Washington, Masonic Chamber of Reflection, Hand of the Mysteries, the Scottish Rite 33°, the Capitol building the Washington Monument and many more sites. My suggestion (and I'm sure the author would agree) is to purchase both of his books on the topic, as I did, and reflect on how each text enhances the content of the other.
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: Dan Brown. Codes on Book Cover |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: Scottish Rite Supreme Council 33° |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: Ancient Hand of the Mysteries |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: US Capitol Building |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: The Apotheosis of Washington |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: The Apotheosis of Washington |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: Masonic Chamber of Reflection |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: George Washington as Zeus. Greenough |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: Death of George Washington |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: Library of Congress |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: Masonic Symbols in Washington, DC |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: The Great Seal of the United States |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: George Washington Masonic Memorial |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: Melancolia by Albrecht Durer |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: Washington National Cathedral |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: Washington National Cathedral |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: House of the Temple |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: Altar. House of the Temple |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: The Washington Monument |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: Author |
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| Deciphering the Lost Symbol. by Christopher Hodapp: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown |
