Lynn Picknett Clive Prince

Lynn Picknett, born in 1947, is an English writer whose work primarily explores religious history, popular conspiracy theories, the paranormal, the occult, and historical enigmas. After graduating with a degree in English Literature, she pursued various roles before entering publishing. In the 1980s, Picknett was a significant figure in paranormal publications as Deputy Editor of 'The Unexplained' and a contributor to numerous other outlets. She also had a presence in broadcast media, appearing on radio shows and presenting television programs.

In the early 1990s, Picknett began a notable collaboration with fellow researcher Clive Prince. Together, they have authored several books that delve into controversial historical and religious topics. Their initial joint work challenged conventional understanding of the Shroud of Turin, proposing a theory involving Leonardo da Vinci and a primitive camera. A subsequent book, 'The Templar Revelation,' gained significant recognition for its influence on popular culture, particularly Dan Brown's novel 'The Da Vinci Code.' Their research often involves extensive personal investigation, sometimes in partnership with other researchers.

Born in Folkestone, Kent, in April 1947, Lynn Picknett's early life included growing up in a reportedly haunted house in York. After completing her university studies in English Literature, she engaged in diverse professions, including teaching, retail, and stand-up comedy, before relocating to London in 1971. There, she began her publishing career as a trainee sub-editor. During the 1980s, Picknett established herself in the field of the unexplained, serving as Deputy Editor for 'The Unexplained' magazine and contributing to a wide array of related publications. Her public profile extended to radio, where she was a regular guest on programs, and television, where she worked as a presenter for regional networks.

The partnership between Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince began in the early 1990s, marking the start of a prolific period of collaborative writing. Their first book together, 'Turin Shroud: How Leonardo da Vinci Fooled History,' presented a controversial theory suggesting the Shroud's image could be replicated using a pinhole camera and that Leonardo da Vinci used his own likeness as a model for Jesus. This theory posited that the relic predating Leonardo was not the same as the one known today. Their 1997 book, 'The Templar Revelation,' achieved widespread recognition, notably being cited by author Dan Brown as a primary source of inspiration for 'The Da Vinci Code.' Their research methodology often involves independent investigation, supplemented by collaborations with other specialists in their fields.

The body of work produced by Picknett and Prince predominantly centers on historical mysteries, religious narratives, and conspiracy theories, often examining subjects with esoteric or occult dimensions. Their books frequently challenge established historical accounts and religious doctrines, proposing alternative interpretations grounded in their research. 'The Templar Revelation,' in particular, had a significant cultural impact, influencing not only literary works like 'The Da Vinci Code' but also sparking public interest in the history and alleged secrets of the Knights Templar. Their approach often involves uncovering hidden histories and questioning official narratives, contributing to a genre that explores the less conventional aspects of history and belief.