Masters Of Atlantis by Charles Portis

Set in the early 20th century, this satirical novel follows the rise and fall of a secret society known as the Gnomon Society, which claims to possess the ancient wisdom of Atlantis. The story centers around Lamar Jimmerson, who becomes the Grand Master after acquiring a mysterious book that supposedly contains the secrets of the lost civilization. As the society grows, it attracts a colorful cast of eccentric characters, each with their own quirks and ambitions. Through a series of humorous misadventures and absurd situations, the narrative explores themes of gullibility, the quest for knowledge, and the human tendency to seek meaning in the esoteric and the arcane.

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