Creative Background

The Lost Symbol is a thriller novel by American author Dan Brown, published in 2009. It is the third book in the Robert Langdon series, following Angels & Demons and The Da Vinci Code. The story is set in Washington, D.C., and focuses on Freemasonry and its history, with a plot that revolves around a series of cryptic codes, symbols, and mysteries that the protagonist, symbologist Robert Langdon, must decipher to prevent a national crisis.

The creation of The Lost Symbol was influenced by Brown's extensive research into Freemasonry, its rituals, and its historical significance in the foundation of the United States. Brown was intrigued by the idea of a secret society that had members who were influential figures in American history, such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. He spent five years researching the novel, delving into the archives of Freemasonry, exploring the architecture and symbolism of Washington, D.C., and studying the science of noetics, which plays a significant role in the plot.

The novel explores themes of science versus religion, the power of the human mind, and the search for enlightenment. Brown's intention was to create a fast-paced thriller that also prompts readers to think about the deeper aspects of human knowledge and the mysteries that surround us. The Lost Symbol was highly anticipated, and its publication was met with significant media attention and commercial success, maintaining its position on bestseller lists for an extended period.