I Think Umberto Eco Should Sue

[liadnan]

Judgment for defendants in Baigent & Leigh v. Random House Ltd (as Dan Brown's publishers and, in fact, their own)

(There's a summary version on the HM Court Service website.)

There is no "Architecture" or "Structure" to be found in HBHG or the Central Themes as contended by the Claimants nor has Dan Brown infringed any such Architecture or Structure or substantially copied HBHG when he wrote DVC although it is clear it was used to write the Langdon/Teabing lectures.

Not my legal field so I pass no comment, save that historically and artistically both books are rubbish. Peter Smith seems to have been quite enthused, more than he has been when I've been before him anyway.

Comments

[tybalt-quin.livejournal.com]

I've skim-read the judgment but it's interesting that Dan Brown's wife comes in for a degree of criticism and it's pointed out that her refusal to take the stand invited certain opinions to be formed with respect to the evidence.

But you're right - DVC is total crap.

[cybik.livejournal.com]

I forced myself to read DVC because I was working in a branch of Ottakar's and wanted to understand why people thought the book was so amazing. I struggled, but managed to finish it (mostly so I could justify disliking it), and still I have no idea why anyone would enjoy it.

Much of my time in the bookshop was spent rearranging Dan Brown books and related nonsense (often in the mumbo-jumbo Mind, Body and Spirit section), so I've built a healthy distaste for the man and his work.

[liadnan]

The judgment gave me the impression he was mostly interested in selling books (his wife did al the research and there's a suggestion he accepted what he was given) rather than content.

Sorry I didn't manage to get in touch with you yesterday by the way, was a bit busy all day. Hope to see you again soon.

[cybik.livejournal.com]

I go to London fairly often to escape the small town blues, anyway. I'll probably post again on livejournal next time I do.

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

Perhaps this is just proof that 15 million people can be wrong?

[cybik.livejournal.com]

It's pretty damning proof..

[owl]

Can we get a judgement that DVC is nothing but rather expensive toilet paper?

[blonde222.livejournal.com]

liadnan, terribly sorry but I'm back up North - got to London and heard bad news from PH so got on another train and came back again. Let's do it after Easter.