Author Dan Brown's bestselling novel The Da Vinci Code topped the charts internationally when it was published in 2003. The fictional novel, which delves into the legend of the Holy Grail and the relationship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus, sparked controversy among scholars of Christian history and the faithful.Times Online: Pope Takes on Da Vinci Code Heritics (May 13, 2007) The book was later made into the Da Vinci Code movie starring Tom Hanks.

Brown's highly anticipated next novel, focuses on Freemasonry, was published on September 15, 2009, and is titled The Lost Symbol. Random House will print over five million copies in its initial print.Guardian Unlimited: Dan Brown returns with Da Vinci Code sequel, The Lost Symbol (April 20, 2009)

After a failed attempt at a singer-songwriting career, Brown co-wrote 187 Men to Avoid: A Guide for the Romantically Frustrated Woman with his wife, Blythe. He then quit his job as a teacher to pursue writing full-time.

Although his first three works were only moderately successful, Brown's 2003 novel, The Da Vinci Code became one of the most popular and widely discussed books of its time. Though some readers argue over whether the events and artifacts described in the book are true, The Da Vinci Code went on to sell over 60 million copies and topped The New York Times bestseller list upon its release. The book was made into a movie in 2006 with Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou. Brown served as an executive producer on the project.

• 1998: Digital Fortress
• 2000: Angels and Demons
• 2001: Deception Point
• 2003: The Da Vinci Code
• 2009: The Lost Symbol (September 15, 2009)

• June 22, 1964: Born

• 1982: Graduated from Philips Exeter Academy Boarding School

• 1986: Graduated from Amherst College with a double major in Spanish and English

• 1993: Released the the self-titled music CD "Dan Brown"

• 1994: Released a music CD titled "Angels & Demons"

• 1997: Married Blythe Brown

• 2004: Donated $2.2 million to Phillips Exeter Academy to set up the "Richard G. Brown Technology Endowment"

• Note: The links in this timeline are to IMDb, which has pop-ups

• 2006: The Da Vinci Code

• 2008: Angels & Demons