Publishing History

The Lost Symbol is a thriller novel written by American author Dan Brown. It is the third book in the Robert Langdon series, following Angels & Demons and The Da Vinci Code. The novel was published on September 15, 2009, by Doubleday in the United States.

Set in Washington, D.C., The Lost Symbol follows Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon as he is called to the U.S. Capitol to decipher a mysterious symbol tattooed on the hand of a murdered man. The story delves into the hidden history and secrets of Freemasonry, as Langdon races against time to prevent a national catastrophe.

The book was highly anticipated due to the success of its predecessors, particularly The Da Vinci Code, which had become a global phenomenon. The Lost Symbol sold over one million copies on its first day of release, making it one of the fastest-selling adult novels of all time. It remained on bestseller lists for several months and has been translated into numerous languages.

Despite mixed reviews from critics, who often pointed out its formulaic plot and reliance on similar themes as Brown's earlier works, The Lost Symbol was a commercial success. The novel's popularity further cemented Dan Brown's status as a master of the thriller genre and sparked interest in the historical and architectural landmarks of Washington, D.C.