Dan Brown

Volledig interview

As his many readers know, Dan Brown is one of the most successful authors in recent history. His last book, 2003's "The Da Vinci Code," now has more than 81 million copies in print around the world. His first two films, "The Da Vinci Code" and "Angels & Demons," have grossed more than $1 billion between them in ticket sales globally. Now his fifth and latest book, "The Lost Symbol," will be translated into 50 languages.

Jennifer Taylor for The Wall Street Journal
Dan Brown

Mr. Brown, 45 years old, wearing jeans and a casual dark sweater, was interviewed in midtown Manhattan.
The Wall Street Journal: It's been six years since "The Da Vinci Code." Why the wait?

Dan Brown: The materials and the ideas are so complicated that it took me a lot of time to process it so that I could use it effectively in a story.

WSJ: Do you feel the weight of the publishing business on your back?

Mr. Brown: No, because one book can't save an industry. My job is to write the best book I can. I hope it's a catalyst for reminding people how much fun it is to read, and that they go out and buy other books.

WSJ: Are you satisfied with "The Lost Symbol"?

Mr. Brown: I'm really proud of it. I wanted readers to enjoy it as much as they enjoyed "The Da Vinci Code." To their credit, my publishing house said that I should take as much time as I needed. They never pressured me.

WSJ: What are your hopes for this book?

Mr. Brown: After "The Da Vinci Code" was published, people came up to me and said they hadn't read anything since high school or college, but that they'd now rediscovered the fun of reading. I hope that happens again.