29 September 2009

Experts to discuss Freemasonry in new Dan Brown book

The UK´s first dedicated Centre for Research into Freemasonry and Fraternalism, based at the University of Sheffield, will be hosting a discussion on the portrayal of the mysterious fraternal organisation in the new Dan Brown novel, The Lost Symbol.

Academics from the Centre will host a panel discussion entitled, `Symbols lost? Discussing Dan Brown´s new novel´ on 15 October 2009, which will consider how much of Dan Brown´s portrayal of the Freemason´s is accurate.

Early reviews of the new book, which has already sold more than 300,000 copies since its release earlier this month, suggested that Freemasons may be antagonised by inaccurate fictional portrayals of the establishment. At this event, the panel of experts will consider the Masonic content in the novel and answer questions on whether the book gives a truthful insight into the fraternal group.

The debate will form part of a lecture series, `The Perception of Freemasonry´, which will take place between October and December, and will involve a range of international guest speakers.

Freemasonry is one of the world´s oldest secular fraternal societies, yet it is often the subject of some debate and conjecture, as elements of the society remain shrouded in mystery. The Centre for Research into Freemasonry and Fraternalism was established in 2000 as the first centre in a British university devoted to scholarly research into Freemasonry. The Centre studies the historical, social and cultural impact of freemasonry, particularly in Britain.

Dr Andreas Onnerfors, Director of the Centre for Research into Freemasonry and Fraternalism, said: "As Dan Brown´s new novel proves, there are many perceptions of the role of Freemasonry in the public domain, ranging from fiction to the Internet. It is a fascinating to study how these images have, on the one hand, developed over time whilst also remaining unchanged for many years. Researching freemasonry urges us to differentiate between the thin line between fact and fiction."

Notes for Editors: Tickets are required for the Dan Brown event on 15 October and cost £2. To purchase a ticket, please contact Dorothe Sommer on d.sommer@sheffield.ac.uk 0114-222 98 91

All lectures/events take place in the Humanities Research Centre, 34 Gell Street, S3 7QY, at 5.15 pm with light refreshments.

For further information please contact: Lauren Anderson, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2221046 or email l.h.anderson@sheffield.ac.uk

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