Inferno Decoded

by Michael Haag

An all-inclusive guide to key concepts and details about Dan Brown’s novel Inferno—featuring black-and-white illustrations.Go deep into the provocative and always compelling world of Dan Brown’s novel, Inferno. Delivering crucial background on the characters, codes, symbols, secrets, and setting of the novel, Inferno Decoded also offers a wealth of fascinating details about the historical and cultural background and the questions it raises. As in Michael Haag’s previous bestseller, The Rough Guide to The Da Vinci Code, the author illuminates the life and work of Dante Alighieri and the world of medieval Florence. Also an overview of Dante and his work, along with the other themes of Brown’s thriller; a guide to its sources and Tuscan locations; and a look back at the earlier career of Brown’s hero, Harvard Professor of Symbology, Robert Langdon.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Reference

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 19, 2013

About the author

Michael Haag, who lived in London, was a writer, historian and biographer. He wrote widely on the Egyptian, Classical and Medieval worlds; and on the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Reviews

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally picked this up to read alongside Inferno by Dan Brown. My intention was to use it as a companion guide, helping me better understand the references to Dante Alighieri, the historical figures, artworks, myths, and locations woven throughout the novel.

Unfortunately, I quickly discovered that the companion contains more plot spoilers than I expected. I decided to put it aside, finish Inferno for the story itself, and then return to Inferno Decoded afterwards. That turned out to be the right decision.

Read after the novel, this is an excellent reference book. Michael Haag provides a fascinating background on the people, places, artwork, and symbolism that inspired the story.

My recommendation would be don’t read this alongside Inferno unless you don’t mind spoilers. Instead, treat it as a companion to enjoy after you’ve finished the novel. You’ll get all of the fascinating historical context without sacrificing the novel’s plot.

[luana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trabalho excelente do Michael Haag, estava com esse livro há muitos anos e nada de ler. Sou uma grande fã do Dan Brown e confesso que inferno não foi uma das minhas leituras favoritas mas faz parte.

[Mabel Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ok description of the main places, and historical facts behind the Inferno' book, I might look further into some of the details however...

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read Inferno for fun, read Inferno Decoded for the real story. Well written, very informative. A must to read to balance Inferno with the real world.

[Kim Heimbuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review will be posted as soon as it is posted at it's place of origin

[Sandra Di Francesco]

Transported me back to Renaisance Florence and to Dante. Florence is one of the most beautiful cities ive ever visited. Must go back soon.

[Anya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. The additional sources and names made me to "dig" deep into historical references in Dan Brown's book.