A review for Map and the Manuscript by my friend and fellow researcher Paul Karen;
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2025
I hope the author of this book, an acquaintance of mine, can forgive this long overdue review of his book, The Map and the Manuscript: Journeys in the Mysteries of the Two Rennes.Simon is an experienced and insightful researcher of the so-called “Rennes le Chateau Mystery.” His book suggests a large-scale geometrical complex in the Aude connecting many local landmarks in the area of Rennes le Chateau and Rennes-les-Bains in the tradition of such writers as Henry Lincoln, David Wood, and Richard Andrews and Paul Schellenberger: sacred geometry, geographical alignments, and tantalizing hints that cut close to the core of the story of the parish priest, François-Bérenger Saunière (1852 –1917) and the priest of nearby Rennes-les-Bains, Abbe Henri Boudet (1837-1915.)I found it an enormously enjoyable and evocative read that broadened my own speculative horizons on the topic (which I am still digesting, 3 years later.)In short, this is rich fare and a must-read for any aficionado of the Rennes-le-Chateau mystery. Highly recommended.
On a personal note, I hope Paul gets a move on publishing his own LONG AWAITED research .... ;)