First look: 'The Lost Symbol' book cover

Posted: Tuesday, July 07, 2009 8:05 AM by Jen Brown

As first seen on the this morning’s show, the book cover of Dan Brown’s much-anticipated novel was revealed today and at least one thing is clear: “The Lost Symbol,” Brown’s third novel featuring protagonist Robert Landon, is set in Washington, D.C.

The jacket also prominently features a wax seal, inside of which is a double-headed Phoenix, the No. 33, and the Latin phrase, "Ordo ae Chao," which translates to "Order from Chaos." These elements are tied to secret societies throughout history. The seal is set against a background of symbols -- among them characters from the zodiac and alchemy -- all suggesting ancient time and beliefs.

While that’s all the information the publisher is willing to share for now, there are rumored to be several other clues within the book cover.

Fans looking for more clues can join the summer-long campaign of code-breaking and problem solving hosted on Twitter and Facebook. “The Lost Symbol” will be published on Sept. 15.

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Comments

We live in a world of censor. Davinci did. Galileo. My comment may not appear because it may not meet approval. Secret societies do exist for this very reason.

Dan Brown third installment is rubbish. Angels and Demons was rubbish. The Davinci code was mildly entertaining, but also rubbish. The secret societies that exist are beyond Brown's reach so he fabricates a bunch of nonsense. He does bring the notion into the mainstream so his work in this area has some relevance. I won't buy it, or read it for that matter, but may watch a copy of the film when it comes out in year or two.

The true secret is that Mr. Brown, and others, are afforded a very generous lifestyle mostly immune from real secret societies, like the needy, from this castigated rubbash.

Howard (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 9:08 AM)

I am so excited about Mr. Brown's new book. I read the other two books over and over. Conspiracy and secret societies are the "names of the game." Come on September 15 and let the good times roll. Don't call me on the 15th - I have a date with Dan Brown.

Rosemary Swallow, Monroe, Louisiana (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 9:21 AM)

I can't wait to read this! "The DaVinci Code" was totally awesome ... but I just finished reading "Angels and Demons" and it was an outstanding book with all kinds of hints that allude to secret societies still among us. "The Lost Symbol" is supposed to expand along those lines.

Judy Marino Gardnerville, NV. (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 9:25 AM)

OMG, I just love your books and can hardly wait to read the new one. Maybe you can hook me up with one in advance. I will be eternally grateful if possible.
Purplehib

Yvonne Aubrey, Westwood, Kansas (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 9:26 AM)

HOWARD, Build a bridge and get over it. This is a book of fiction. Enjoy it as such.

Rita, St. Charles, MO (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 9:37 AM)

I'm from a small town where I grew up knowing about the existence of secret organizations. I love Dan Brown's novels, and I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of his new novel. Thanks for the preview of the cover, and Septmeber 15 cannot come soon enough.

Edwina Evans Logan, W V (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 9:43 AM)

I'd like to remind "Howard" that these are works of FICTION and written primarily as entertainment not as an expose on secret societies.

Julie, Boston, Ma (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 9:44 AM)

Works of fiction with just enough basis of fact to entice and enflame the conspiracy nuts...secret this and that..

I belong to a secret society but I can't tell you about it....

It's a secret...

Oreder of the secret calice... (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 9:56 AM)

Dan Brown is an entertaining author; he is not selling his work as authentic or a study of anything--lighten up, it is fun, clever writing.

X pres, Doylestown, WI (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 10:12 AM)

I CANT WAIT!!!!! huge fan have read all of his books thanks for the peak of the cover, i have been waiting for this for a couple of years now, ready for 9-15-09!!

Clay (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 11:50 AM)

Fiction! nothing more. Enjoy it as such. So many embrace fiction over fact because it's easier. Yes there are secret societies, but most of us have our hands full dealing with the realities of everyday life. I like the ocassional diversions of fiction for entertainment only, not to replace my realities. Jim Sloan Bangkok, Thailand, & Phoenixville, Pa.

james g. sloan Phoenixville, Pa. & Bangkok Thailand (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 11:54 AM)

Rita, you took the words right out of my fingers....

Maggie, North Scituate, RI (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 11:59 AM)

Dan Brown is in my opinion a good author. He seems to do his research well. Yes his works are fiction yet as he states there is fact that fuels his stories. case in point, CERN and the existance of and creation of anti-matter.

R.Roberts,Cabot,AR (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 1:29 PM)

I thought that the DaVinci code had some interesting pieces in it but found that his writing was so poor, could not finish it.

Brenda (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 1:32 PM)

I have belonged to one of the so called "secret societies" for 34 years. Several U.S. Presidents, including George Washaington have been members in the past. Everything that I've been exposed to as a member, is readily available in the Library of Congress.

I've enjoyed reading Dan Brown's books, as much as I have enjoyed reading Tom Clancy. Clearly Brown has spent a great deal of time and effort, researching all of his books.

The Lost Symbol, like any other novel, will contain some truth. While reading it, I will know that it's a novel, and I will enjoy it as such.

Andrew, Port Washington, NY (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 1:37 PM)

Brown has his critics, but at least he's got people reading. I'm happy to support the publishing industry, and I look forward to reading "Symbol." I just hope the mentor character doesn't turn out to be the villian again;)

Matt, Houston, Texas (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 2:05 PM)

I heard Dan Brown interviewed on a tv show, and from the sounds of this book, it will be as exciting and entertaining as the last two. I look forward to it, and any movie made from the book. Please keep entertaining us Dan...

Yvonne Pester, Grants Pass, OR (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 2:56 PM)

A masterpiece in easy reading!

doug l, skagway, AK (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 4:00 PM)

I greatly enjoyed all four of Dan Brown's books. I don't understand the comment 'poor writing". I seldom enjoy the movie as much as the book, and the two movies based on Dan Brown's books, were no exception. Too many people are involved in making a movie and everyone puts their own mark on it. The book is between the author and myself.

Frank Knopf Oshawa, Ontario (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 4:21 PM)

I belong to a "secret society".. It's so secret we have a big sign out front and our meeting times posted on the door. I've enjoyed all of Dan Brown's books for what they are...Fiction! If I wanted information about conspiricies and secret societies and world domination, I'd go to the internet. We all know everything on the internet is true. Just a note for all those out there living in fear of impending world domination by guys with secret handshakes. We've had 300 years to take over the world and haven't managed it. Find a new conspiricy. Aliens, that's the ticket.

DrJones, Fort Worth, texas (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 4:55 PM)

Works of fiction are labeled as such because they do not need to support anything with facts.
Enjoy the ride, you may even like it! We get way too many facts thrown at us everyday!

Nancy (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 5:47 PM)

I've been waiting 6 years for this book! If an author makes a person who would otherwise not read pick up a book then that is a job well done. Critics really need to find something better to do. Just remember BOOKS ARE ENTERTAINMENT. . .Dan Brown doesn't pass this off as fact!

Jessica, Vernon, Connecticut (Sent Tuesday, July 07, 2009 10:25 PM)

for those of you who think dan brown has only written 2 other books (the ones that turned into movies)--do a simple search on amazon. there's also deception point and digital fortress, both of which are as good as his others.

Cindy (Sent Wednesday, July 08, 2009 8:33 AM)

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