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Excerpt
Langdon glanced down at his attire. He was wearing his usual charcoal turtleneck, Harris Tweed jacket, khakis, and collegiate cordovan loafers . . . his standard attire for the classroom, lecture circuit, author photos, and social events.
The woman laughed. "Those turtlenecks you wear are so dated. You'd look much sharper in a tie!"
No chance, Langdon thought. Little nooses.
Neckties had been required six days a week when Langdon attended Phillips Exeter Academy, and despite the headmaster's romantic claims that the origin of the cravat went back to the silk fascalia worn by Roman orators to warm their vocal cords, Langdon knew that, etymologically, cravat actually derived from a ruthless band of "Croat" mercenaries who donned knotted neckerchiefs before they stormed into battle. To this day, this ancient battle garb was donned by modern office warriors hoping to intimidate their enemies in daily boardroom battles.
"Thanks for the advice," Langdon said with a chuckle. "I'll consider a tie in the future."
Mercifully, a professional-looking man in a dark suit got out of a sleek Lincoln Town Car parked near the terminal and held up his finger. "Mr. Langdon? I'm Charles with Beltway Limousine." He opened the passenger door. "Good evening, sir. Welcome to Washington."
Langdon tipped Pam for her hospitality and then climbed into the plush interior of the Town Car. The driver showed him the temperature controls, the bottled water, and the basket of hot muffins. Seconds later, Langdon was speeding away on a private access road. So this is how the other half lives.
As the driver gunned the car up Windsock Drive, he consulted his passenger manifest and placed a quick call. "This is Beltway Limousine," the driver said with professional efficiency. "I was asked to confirm once my passenger had landed." He paused. "Yes, sir. Your guest, Mr. Langdon, has arrived, and I will deliver him to the Capitol Building by seven P.M. You're welcome, sir." He hung up.
Langdon had to smile. No stone left unturned. Peter Solomon's attention to detail was one of his most potent assets, allowing him to manage his substantial power with apparent ease. A few billion dollars in the bank doesn't hurt either.
Langdon settled into the plush leather seat and closed his eyes as the noise of the airport faded behind him. The U.S. Capitol was a half hour away, and he appreciated the time alone to gather his thoughts. Everything had happened so quickly today that Langdon only now had begun to think in earnest about the incredible evening that lay ahead.
Arriving under a veil of secrecy, Langdon thought, amused by the prospect.
Ten miles from the Capitol Building, a lone figure was eagerly preparing for Robert Langdon's arrival.
Excerpted from The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown Copyright (c) 2009 by Dan Brown. Excerpted by permission of Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
The Lost Symbol
In the publishing phenomenon The Da Vinci Code, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon went up against the Priory of Sion and unraveled one of the greatest mysteries of all time. In Angels & Demons, he followed a 400-year-old trail of ancient symbols that led to the lair of the secretive Illuminati. Now, in this hugely anticipated follow-up, he’s back in a high-stakes quest that pits him against an exhilarating new challenge…and tests him in a way he’s never been tested before…. The latest novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author Dan Brown, The Lost Symbol is a frantically paced thriller that weaves together five years’ worth of research and crams them into an edge-of-your-seat adventure that all takes place within a 12-hour timeframe. Showcasing Brown’s prodigious talent for keeping us guessing, it begins with a bang and never lets up as Langdon is drawn into a world of intrigue, racing desperately against time in an effort to crack the mystery of the lost symbol. Packed with secret codes, shadow conspiracies and unexpected twists, this is vintage Dan Brown—a mind-bending tale where danger lurks around every corner and only one thing is certain: Nothing is ever as it seems.
Hardcover: 480 pages
Publisher: Doubleday & Co, Inc./Div. Random House ( September 15, 2009 )
Item #: 04-5125
ISBN: 9780385504225
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25 x 1.26 inches
Product Weight: 27.0 ounces
Loved it!!!
November 20, 2009
Like Brown's other books, this one was great! It kept me reading for 3 days. I would have finished it earlier but I had to take care of every day jobs!
Reviewer: Jeannine
Another Winner
November 19, 2009
I love the books of Dan Brown and this one certainly didn't disappoint. He is a master at weaving a tale and I couldn't put it down. This is very well written and although it is a bit different from the subject material of his other two mega hits, it is definitely a must read. You won't be sorry.
Reviewer: Elaine H
BEYOND GREAT
November 19, 2009
When I started this book, I though well maybe I would finish it after Thanksgiving. It took me about three days to read it. It is a wonderful book. Just kept moving and you never lose interest. When a chapter ends, you just have to keep going to see what happens next. This is a great book - totally enjoyable - entertaining - and eye-opening and full of surprises. Makes you think about things. Hope everyone will read Dan Brown's latest It's GREAT!!!!
Reviewer: Vicky
Loved It!
November 19, 2009
Dan Brown definitely has the knack to pull people into a story. I didn't want to put it down until I was finished! Can't wait til the next book!
Reviewer: K H
This book is AWESOME!
November 19, 2009
My boss originally suggested this book to me because he thought it was great, and for him to say something like that I knew I HAD to read it. I couldn't put it down. Definitely a must read.
Reviewer: L H
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