Arthur Chipping is the new Latin master at an English boy's boarding school. The eccentric schoolmaster lives a full, rich life within the cloistered school, defined by his role as the intellectual shepherd of generations of young students. Then while traveling through the countryside on summer holiday, he unexpected falls in love. His new wife ignites his passion and brings him out of his shell. Spans over 50 years in the life of Mr. Chipping.

In the wake of the Pope's death, symbologist Robert Langdon follows ancient clues in a race through Rome to find the four cardinals favored for the succession. They have been kidnapped by the Illuminati, a secret society whose members have long hated the Catholic Church and who plan to execute the cardinals and destroy the Vatican.