What is Charles Portis's satirical novel Masters of Atlantis about?

Published in 1985, Masters of Atlantis is a historical fiction novel by American author Charles Portis that satirizes early-to-mid-twentieth-century esoteric and new religious movements. The story follows a World War I veteran named Lamar Jimmerson over several decades as he tries to build and preserve a society dedicated to the lost knowledge of Atlantis. Although it was initially released to relative obscurity compared to Portis's earlier work True Grit, it gained a devoted following among comedians and entertainers.

What we know

• Masters of Atlantis is a 1985 historical fiction novel written by Charles Portis. [1, 2]
• The novel satirizes Western Esoteric and New Religious movements of the early-to-mid twentieth century. [2]
• The plot follows World War I veteran Lamar Jimmerson over several decades as he attempts to establish an esoteric society centered on the lost knowledge of Atlantis. [2]
• The book achieved a passionate following among entertainers and comedians, including Michael Schur, Conan O'Brien, and David Cross. [2]

Where to go next

• whoWho was author Charles Portis?
• a case in pointHow did True Grit bring fame to Charles Portis?
• the bigger pictureWhat are Western Esoteric movements?
• whenHow did Norwood launch the author's career?
• what followedWhat inspired the deadpan comedic style of The Office?
• an unexpected connectionHow is a tattoo connected to this obscure novel?Comedian David Cross has a tattoo of the novel's cover on his arm, reflecting the book's cult status among entertainers despite its initial commercial obscurity.

Sources

• [1]Masters of Atlantis (Wikidata Q19902708) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Masters of Atlantis · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Charles Portis · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]The Dog of the South · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Norwood (novel) · CC BY-SA 4.0

Your path

1. What happened to Singapore's old Outram Prison?
2. /What is Charles Portis's satirical novel Masters of Atlantis about?