Masters of Atlantis

Embark on a hilariously absurd journey into the heart of delusion with Charles Portis's 'Masters of Atlantis'. The year is 1917, and Lamar Jimmerson, an unassuming American serviceman stationed in France, stumbles upon the enigmatic 'Codex Pappus'—a cryptic text purporting to reveal the secrets of Atlantis. What begins as a curious diversion quickly morphs into an all-consuming obsession, leading Jimmerson to found the Gnomon Society. This international fraternal order dedicates itself to preserving the 'arcane wisdom' of the lost city, attracting a colorful cast of eccentrics, charlatans, and genuine believers. From its humble beginnings, the Gnomon Society navigates the tumultuous 20th century, growing in size and absurdity, always under the earnest, yet utterly misguided, leadership of Jimmerson. Portis masterfully blends deadpan humor with a keen eye for human folly, crafting a satirical epic about the allure of secret knowledge, the power of belief, and the enduring human need for belonging, no matter how outlandish the cause.