The ancient craft of Freemasonry is placed front-and-center in The Lost Symbol, the third installment in Dan Brown's book series featuring the protagonist Robert Langdon. Brown moves the story from his familiar European settings to the heart of the United States of America: Washington, D.C. Playing out against the backdrop of some of our nation's most brilliant and mysterious monuments, the thriller tale folds out with expert pace and a well-formed narrative. Harvard Professor and Symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to Washington under the pretense of giving a speech in honor of his dear mentor (and prominent Freemason), Peter Solomon. However, upon arriving at the US Capitol, Landon discovers Peter's severed hand… posed to mimic the ancient "Hand of the Mysteries", serving as an invitation to receive secret knowledge. The kidnapper/madman, a steroid-infused and tattooed eunuch called Mal'akh, is hell-bent on discovering the fabled ancient mysteries of the Freemasons. Mal'akh believes Langdon holds the key to deciphering an encoded stone pyramid, which may serve as a map that leads to the secret location of the treasure… the knowledge of a "Lost Word" that will lead to an apotheosis and mastery of mind over matter. With the support of a great cast of characters, Robert Langdon races to solve the mystery and save his friend.
As with his European backdrops, Brown offers great attention to detail in his descriptions of Washington D.C. and the many Masonic symbols that are incorporated in it's layout and architecture. The alluded locations include Statuary Hall, the Subbasement and Rotunda of the US Capitol, the Smithsonian Museum Support Center SMSC, the House of the Temple, the Library of Congress, Freedom Plaza, George Washington Masonic Memorial, Washington National Cathedral, Washington Monument and Brumidi's great painting of "The Apotheosis of Washington" depicting George Washington's transformation into a God. While Dan Brown takes some fictional liberties with his portrayals of Masonic practice and rituals, his historical research is accurate and commendable… with the story remaining both entertaining and informative throughout.
US Capitol: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
US Capitol- Statuary Hall: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
Hand of the Mysteries: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
US Capitol- Rotunda: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
The Structure of Freemasonry: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
The House of the Temple- Washington, D.C.: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
"The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown
SMSC Smithsonian: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
The Apotheosis of Washington by Brumidi: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
The Apotheosis of Washington by Brumidi: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
The Apotheosis of Washington by Brumidi: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
The House of the Temple- Washington, D.C.: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
Library of Congress- Reading Room: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
Library of Congress- Reading Room: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
Melancolia I by Albrecht Durer: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
Dan Brown: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
Freedom Plaza- Washington, D.C.: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
The George Washington Masonic Memorial: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
Washington National Cathedral: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
Darth Vader- Washington National Cathedral: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
Washington National Cathedral: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
8 Franklin Magic Square: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
Almas Shrine Temple: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
Potomac Lodge No. 5: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
Kryptos by James Sanborn: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
Sacrificing Isaac: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
Altar- The House of the Temple- Washington, D.C.: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
The House of the Temple- Washington, D.C.: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
Dan Brown: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
Washington Monument: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
view from Washington Monument: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
Washington Monument Capstone: The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown
