Masters of Atlantis

Masters of Atlantis is a 1985 novel by Charles Portis.^[1]

Plot Summary^[2]

In 1917, a mysterious beggar gifts Lamar Jimmerson the Codex Pappus, a handwritten book allegedly containing the secrets of Atlantis. The beggar initiates Lamar into the Gnomon Society, tells him of their current Master of Gnomons—Pletho Pappus, and not long after, leaves, never to be heard from again.

In 1919, after he is discharged from the American Expeditionary Forces, Lamar travels to the island of Malta, in search of Pletho Pappus. Instead, he meets Sydney Hen, who befriends Lamar and takes interest in the Codex. Lamar warms up to Sydney and his sister, Fanny Hen, then shares the Codex with Sydney. The two study it for a period of time, until finally Sydney announces, "Can't you see it, man? You're already a Master! We're both Masters!" The two separate to set up their own Gnomon branches, Lamar in America and Sydney in Europe.

In 1925, Fanny joins Lamar in American and the two are married. Through Fanny, Lamar hears of Sydney's successes in Europe. Lamar eventually has his own success, opening several Gnomon Temples in America, which attracts the likes of conman, Austin Popper. Austin gains power in Lamar's temple and tries to popularize Gnominism, becoming a spokesperson, talking about Gnomonism in public appearances with help by a talking bird—Squanto.

In 1940, Lamar formally "humbles" Austin, restricting him to menial work. This does not stop Sydney, who after a dramatic return, attempts to delegitimize the American branch of Gnomonism, in response to out of control "Popperism". The American and European Gnomon branches become splintered, and the conflict allows Austin to regain his power. The Gnomon conflict is overshadowed by the beginnings of World War II.

In 1942, wanting to use the war to their advantage, Austin makes a plan and travels to Washington D.C. with Lamar. They fail in their original ambition to trade Gnomon secrets with the president and help win the war, but Austin makes a friend, Cezar Golescu, as well as an enemy, Pharris White.

During the war, in an attempt to avoid military service and make a fortune using alchemy to make gold, Austin and Golescu hide out in Colorado. Their relationship is strained over a mutual love interest, and Austin must flee when he is tracked down by (FBI Agent) Pharris White. White kills Squanto.

The postwar years are hard on Lamar's temple and Gnomonism as a whole. Most Gnomon temples close down, and although still open, Lamar's temple remains heavily neglected. Austin makes a couple returns, after long unexplained absences. In his first return he schemes to help Lamar run for public office, but is once more chased off by Agent White.

In Austin's second return, he helps Lamar and the remaining Gnomonists move out of the crumbling temple. He takes them to Texas, where they are hosted by longtime Gnomon Pillar leader Morehead Moaler. They are joined by Sydney and his remaining posse. Lamar and Sydney reconcile. Moaler's son, Golescu, and Pharris White conspire to have the Gnomons kicked out of Texas, but fail.

The Gnomons enjoy Christmas at the Moaler's estate, where they are promised permanent residence. During the celebration, underappreciated Gnomon Initiate Maurice Babcock, thinks to himself, and decides himself a true Master of Gnomons.

References