Summary
Inferno is the fourth novel in Dan Brown's bestselling Robert Langdon series. Published in 2013, this thriller follows the Harvard symbologist as he races across Italy to prevent a global catastrophe, drawing inspiration from Dante Alighieri's classic work, The Divine Comedy. Brown's signature blend of historical references, art symbolism, and modern science propelled Inferno to international success. In 2016, the novel was adapted into a major motion picture starring Tom Hanks.
Plot
In Inferno, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon wakes up in a Florence hospital with no memory of the past 36 hours. After discovering a mysterious object in his possession, he realizes he's being pursued by a female assassin. With the help of Dr. Sienna Brooks, Langdon flees the hospital and embarks on a perilous journey through Florence.
As they evade their pursuers, Langdon and Brooks must decipher a series of codes and clues related to Dante Alighieri's The Divine Comedy. These cryptic messages were left behind by a brilliant but troubled scientist obsessed with overpopulation and the potential end of the world. The duo races against time to unravel the mystery and prevent a global catastrophe.
Their quest takes them through various historical sites in Florence, Venice, and Istanbul, where they must use Langdon's knowledge of symbology and art history to solve puzzles and stay one step ahead of their enemies. As they delve deeper into the conspiracy, they uncover shocking truths about the scientist's plan and its potential impact on humanity.
Themes
Pursuit of knowledge and truth
Clash between science and religion
Power of art and literature
Race against time to prevent global catastrophe
Ethical dilemmas in scientific advancement
Symbolism and hidden meanings
Redemption through solving complex puzzles
Setting
Set in the present day, Inferno unfolds primarily in Italy, with the city of Florence serving as the central backdrop. The story's action takes readers through iconic Florentine landmarks steeped in history and art, such as the Palazzo Vecchio and the Boboli Gardens.
As the narrative progresses, the setting expands to include other significant locations in Italy and beyond. Venice, with its intricate network of canals and historic architecture, plays a crucial role in the plot. Istanbul, straddling Europe and Asia, also becomes a key setting in the latter part of the novel, offering a rich tapestry of cultural and historical elements.
Throughout the book, Dan Brown interweaves modern-day locales with historical sites, creating a juxtaposition between the contemporary world and the classical realm of Dante's Inferno. Showcasing some of the world's most renowned and beautiful cities, this blend of old and new provides a compelling setting for the novel’s mystery and action.
Characters
Robert Langdon: The protagonist, a Harvard professor of symbology. He wakes up in a hospital in Florence with amnesia and must unravel a mystery related to Dante's Inferno.
Sienna Brooks: A gifted doctor who helps Langdon escape from the hospital and assists him throughout his journey. She has a mysterious past and hidden motives.
Bertrand Zobrist: A brilliant but radical scientist obsessed with the threat of overpopulation. To avert this presumed crisis, he creates a lethal virus and leaves clues related to Dante's work about his plan to unleash it.
Elizabeth Sinskey: The head of the World Health Organization who is trying to stop Zobrist's plan. She has a complex history with both Zobrist and Langdon.
The Provost: The head of a secretive organization called The Consortium. He initially assists Zobrist but later tries to stop the virus's release.
Vayentha: An assassin working for The Consortium who pursues Langdon and Sienna through Florence.
Christoph Brüder: The head of the SRS team (part of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) searching for Langdon and the virus.
Ignazio Busoni: The director of the Palazzo Vecchio museum who helps Langdon.
Quick facts
Inferno is the fourth installment in Dan Brown's Robert Langdon series.
Inferno was released on May 14, 2013, 10 years after the publication of Brown’s breakout bestseller, The Da Vinci Code.
The novel's title is a reference to Dante Alighieri's epic poem Divine Comedy.
Much of the book is set in Florence, Italy, where Dante lived and wrote his famous work.
The plot involves a deadly artificial plague created to solve overpopulation.
Brown completed extensive research on Dante and transhumanism for the novel.
Inferno debuted at #1 on The New York Times bestseller list.
The novel explores themes of overpopulation, bioterrorism, and genetic engineering.
Brown wrote parts of the book while hanging upside down using inversion therapy to combat writer's block.
In 2016, Inferno was adapted into a film, starring Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon.
About the Author
Dan Brown is a bestselling American author known for his thrillers. His breakthrough came with his fourth novel, The Da Vinci Code, published in 2003. The book became an international phenomenon, selling more than 80 million copies worldwide and inspiring a successful film adaptation. His other popular works include Angels & Demons, The Lost Symbol, Inferno, and Origin—all part of the Robert Langdon series, featuring the Harvard symbologist solving complex mysteries often involving history, art, religious icons, and conspiracy theories. His books have been translated into 57 languages and sold more than 200 million copies.
Born in 1964 in New Hampshire, Brown grew up on the campus of Phillips Exeter Academy where his father taught mathematics. After graduating from Amherst College, he initially pursued a career in music before turning to writing full-time in 1996.
Beyond his literary success, Brown has engaged in philanthropic efforts, including donations to his alma maters Phillips Exeter Academy and Amherst College. He has also faced legal challenges, successfully defending against multiple copyright infringement claims related to The Da Vinci Code. He continues to write and remains one of the world's most commercially successful authors.
