Masters of Atlantis

Masters of Atlantis is a 1985 novel by Charles Portis that humorously critiques secret societies and cults. The novel centers on an organization dedicated to preserving the esoteric wisdom of the legendary island of Atlantis. The story involves a quest for a lost city in the Mexican jungle.1

The legend of Atlantis originates from Plato's dialogues, Timaeus and Critias. According to the legend, Atlantis was a large island in the Atlantic Ocean, west of the Strait of Gibraltar. It was described as a powerful civilization that conquered many lands before being defeated by the Athenians. Eventually, the Atlantians became wicked, and their island was swallowed by the sea. While likely a myth, some theories suggest the legend might be inspired by the volcanic eruption on the island of Thera around 1500 BCE, which caused destruction on Crete.23