'The Masters of Atlantis' by Charles Portis is a humorous and eccentric tale about the Gnomon Society, a fictional 20th-century initiatory order that arrived in the US following World War I. The story follows the adventures and misadventures of Corporal Lamar Jimmerson, who becomes involved with the society after being entrusted with a sacred text from Atlantis. As Jimmerson spreads the teachings of Gnomonism, he recruits new adherents like Sidney Hen and Austin Popper, leading to a series of comical and absurd situations. The writing style of the book is described as consistent, engaging, and masterful, with a tone that balances humor and satire.

Characters:

The characters are a mix of credulous seekers and shrewd con artists, contributing to the novel's comedic and absurd qualities.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is distinctive, often marked by humor and a narrative that feels akin to mythological texts, creating a quirky and engaging reading experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot focuses on the adventures and misadventures of characters as they establish and propagate a quirky belief system stemming from a supposed connection to Atlantis, highlighted by humor and absurdity.

Setting:

Set in post-World War I America, the environment showcases a range of locations that highlight the absurdities of American society.

Pacing:

The pacing starts off brisk but may slow down later, leading to mixed perceptions of its movement throughout the story.

YOUNG LAMAR JIMMERSON went to France in 1917 with the American Expeditionary Forces, serving first with the Balloon Section, stumbling about in open fields holding one end of a long rope, and then lat...

Notes:

The book is set in America and is considered very American in its storytelling style.

It features characters that fit two archetypes: credulous yokels and self-confident hustlers.

The story begins with WWI soldier Lamar Jimmerson believing in the secret Gnomon Society after being scammed out of $200.

The Gnomon Society is involved in mysterious Pythagorean rituals and is depicted humorously throughout the book.

Austin Popper, a con man in the story, adds comedic chaos and absurdity to the plot, mirroring classic American humor.

The novel serves as a satire of American society and its penchant for joining quirky organizations.

Portis's writing style is described as old-fashioned, focusing on declarative sentences and straightforward narrative.

The book is viewed as a commentary on belief and skepticism in a materialistic America.

Women are notably absent from significant roles in the book's plot, reflecting its era's attitudes.

The humor in the novel is often absurd and satirical, comparing it to the works of Mark Twain.

From The Publisher:

Masters of Atlantis is a cock-eyed journey into an America of misfits and con-men, oddballs, and innocents by one of America's most respected novelists.

Lamar Jimmerson is the leader of the Gnomon Society, the international fraternal order dedicated to preserving the arcane wisdom of the lost city of Atlantis. Stationed in France in 1917, Jimmerson comes across a little book crammed with Atlantean puzzles, Egyptian riddles, and extended alchemical metaphors. It's the Codex Pappus - the sacred Gnomon text. Soon he is basking in the lore of lost Atlantis, convinced that his mission on earth is to administer to and extend the ranks of the noble brotherhood.

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About the Author:

Charles Portis (b. December 28, 1933, d. February 17, 2020) lived in Arkansas, where he was born and educated. He served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War, was the London bureau chief of the New York Herald-Tribune, and was a writer for The New Yorker. He was the author of five novels: Norwood, The Dog of the South, Masters of Atlantis, True Grit, and Gringos.

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The Masters of Atlantis

Charles Portis