Summary
The Lost Symbol, published in 2009, is the third novel in Dan Brown's Robert Langdon series. Following the massive success of The Da Vinci Code, this thriller became an instant bestseller, selling over one million copies on its first day of release. Set in Washington D.C., the story follows Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon as he races to uncover Masonic secrets and save his mentor from a mysterious kidnapper.
Brown's signature blend of historical conspiracies, secret societies, and hidden codes is on full display in The Lost Symbol. The novel delves deep into Freemasonry, exploring its rituals and influence on American history.
Plot
Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to give a lecture at the U.S. Capitol, only to discover he has been lured there by a mysterious kidnapper. The kidnapper has left the severed hand of Langdon's mentor, Peter Solomon, in the Capitol Rotunda as a macabre clue. Langdon is told he must uncover an ancient Masonic secret hidden in Washington D.C. to save Solomon's life.
As Langdon races to decipher clues, he is pursued by CIA director Inoue Sato, who claims national security is at stake. Langdon teams up with Solomon's sister Katherine, a scientist studying noetic science. They are hunted by the kidnapper, a tattooed man calling himself Mal'akh, who infiltrated the Freemasons to access their secrets. Mal'akh destroys Katherine's lab and nearly kills her as Langdon desperately tries to unravel the mystery.
Mal'akh captures Langdon and forces him to decipher the final clue before apparently drowning him. He then takes Peter Solomon to the Masonic Temple for a final confrontation. It is revealed that Mal'akh is actually Zachary Solomon, Peter's son long thought dead. Zachary wants his father to sacrifice him in a twisted ritual. Sato and Langdon, who survived, race to stop Mal'akh's plan to release a video exposing Masonic secrets.
In a climactic scene at the Temple, Peter refuses to kill his son. Sato arrives in a helicopter that crashes through the skylight, fatally wounding Mal'akh/Zachary with falling glass. His plot is foiled and the Solomons are reunited. Peter then reveals to Langdon the true meaning behind the Masonic mysteries - that the “Word of God” refers to the Bible itself, containing esoteric wisdom to unlock humanity's divine potential. The novel ends with hope for a new era of enlightenment.
Themes
The conflict between science and religion
The power of symbols and hidden meanings
The search for ancient wisdom and lost knowledge
Family relationships and betrayal
The pursuit of transcendence and enlightenment
Conspiracy and secrecy in powerful institutions
The nature of human consciousness and potential
Setting
Set in the modern era, The Lost Symbol takes place primarily in Washington, D.C., the seat of the United States government. The story unfolds against the backdrop of iconic landmarks and historic buildings that dot the nation's capital, including the U.S. Capitol Building, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Washington Monument.
The narrative delves into the hidden chambers, tunnels, and temples beneath the city's surface, revealing a clandestine world of Masonic secrets and ancient wisdom. Key locations such as the House of the Temple, headquarters of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and the National Cathedral play pivotal roles in the unfolding mystery.
While the majority of the action occurs within Washington, D.C., the story's scope extends beyond the city limits. References to Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where protagonist Robert Langdon teaches, and flashbacks to events in Turkey and Greece provide a broader geographical context for the novel's intricate plot.
Characters
Robert Langdon: Harvard symbologist and protagonist. Langdon is summoned to Washington D.C. under false pretenses and becomes embroiled in a dangerous quest to uncover Masonic secrets. He uses his knowledge of symbols and history to decipher clues and evade capture. Langdon is intelligent and resourceful, but often finds himself in over his head in life-threatening situations.
Mal'akh: The novel's primary antagonist. Mal'akh is a heavily tattooed Freemason on a mission to uncover an ancient source of power. He is revealed to be Zachary Solomon, Peter Solomon's son, who faked his own death and transformed himself. Mal'akh is ruthless, cunning, and willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve his goals.
Peter Solomon: Smithsonian secretary, Freemason, and Robert Langdon's mentor. Solomon is kidnapped by Mal'akh, setting the plot in motion. He is a respected scholar and philanthropist with deep knowledge of Masonic secrets.
Katherine Solomon: Peter's sister and a Noetic scientist. Katherine assists Langdon in his quest while trying to protect her groundbreaking research. She is intelligent and determined, providing scientific insight to complement Langdon's historical knowledge.
Inoue Sato: Director of the CIA's Office of Security. Sato pursues Langdon, believing him to be involved in a threat to national security. She is a formidable and no-nonsense figure who becomes an unlikely ally.
Warren Bellamy: Architect of the Capitol and Freemason. Bellamy initially helps Langdon escape from authorities but is later captured. He provides valuable insider knowledge of Masonic secrets and Washington D.C. landmarks.
Trish Dunne: Katherine Solomon's research assistant. Trish aids in the investigation by providing technical support and analysis of scientific data.
Reverend Colin Galloway: Dean of Washington National Cathedral and Freemason. Galloway offers guidance and historical context to Langdon during his quest.
Quick facts
It had a first printing of 6.5 million copies, the largest in Doubleday history at the time.
The book sold one million copies on its first day, making it the fastest selling adult novel in history.
It was #1 on the New York Times Best Seller list for hardcover fiction for 29 weeks.
As of 2013, there were 30 million copies in print worldwide.
The story takes place over a 12-hour period in Washington D.C.
Many real locations in Washington D.C. are featured, including the U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian Museum, and Washington Monument.
It's the third novel featuring the character Robert Langdon, following Angels & Demons and The Da Vinci Code.
Freemasonry is a major theme in the book, with many Masonic symbols and rituals described.
The novel explores ideas from Noetic sciences, a field studying the power of human consciousness.
A TV series adaptation titled The Lost Symbol was released in 2021 on Peacock, but was cancelled after one season.
About the Author
Dan Brown is a bestselling American author known for his thriller novels, particularly the Robert Langdon series. Born in 1964 in New Hampshire, Brown developed an early fascination with codes and puzzles that would later influence his writing. After brief careers in music and teaching, he found success as an author with The Da Vinci Code in 2003, which became a global phenomenon.
Brown's novels often feature symbologist Robert Langdon solving complex mysteries within a 24-hour timeframe. His books blend elements of art, history, science, and religion, frequently stirring controversy with their exploration of religious themes. Despite criticism of his writing style, Brown's works have sold over 200 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 56 languages.
The author's success has extended beyond literature, with several of his novels adapted into major motion pictures starring Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon. These include The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons, and Inferno. Brown's impact on popular culture has been significant, credited with renewed interest in topics such as early Christian history and secret societies.
Outside of writing, Brown has engaged in philanthropic efforts, including donations to his alma maters Phillips Exeter Academy and Amherst College. He continues to write and recently expanded into children's literature with Wild Symphony, a book accompanied by classical music. Brown's ability to weave intricate plots with historical and scientific elements has secured his place as one of the most popular authors of the 21st century.
