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.
Brace yourself for the most anticipated novel of the year. The long-awaited follow-up to Brown’s publishing phenomenon The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons, this exhilarating thriller features the return of symbologist Robert Langdon in a fast-paced adventure that takes place within a 12-hour time frame. Weaving more than five years’ worth of research into a taut storyline, it showcases Brown’s prodigious talent for keeping us guessing as Langdon follows a trail of hidden clues and ingenious puzzles in his quest to find the lost symbol. Packed with secret codes, shadow conspiracies and unexpected twists, this is vintage Dan Brown—a mind-bending, heart-hammering thriller where only one thing is certain: Nothing is ever as it seems.
Lrg Print Hardcover: 784 pages
Publisher: Doubleday & Co, Inc./Div. Random House ( September 15, 2009 )
Item #: 06-1633
ISBN: 9781615232161
Product Dimensions: 6.125 x 9.25 x 1.26 inches
Product Weight: 34.0 ounces

Dan Brown really knows how to spur your thought processes into gear. I will admit that this was not quite as rivoting as "The DaVinci Code" or "Angels and Demons" but it was still interesting. There were a couple of gasps and sighs of relief in his usual style. The ending was a little too drawn out and a little out of charactor for Robert Langdon. I liked this better than the other 2 books he wrote, though, and would gladly welcome another book by Mr. Brown.
Reviewer: Chris G
I started to read Symbols but got bored with the first few pages but my husband needed something to read so I gave it to him. He agreed that the beginning was boring but when he really got into it he couldn't put it down and now would like to go to Washington DC and tour the White House as the story really piqued his interest. I will read it myself very shortly.
Reviewer: Jeanne S
I really looked forward to this book but was very disappointed reading it. I read the Da Vinca Code and Angels and Demons without putting them down. They were so exciting. Symbol however seemed like the same formula as those books with new details added to the same old plot. I sat down intending to read it the day I got it but got bored half way through and put it down, when I got sick and was in bed for several days I tried to finish it but just could not get into the characters or plot. I must admit it's one of the few books I've ever not finished reading but I really don't care what the ending is, I was too bored to finish it.
Reviewer: Hiram T
I READ BOTH THE DEVINCI CODE AND ANGELS & DEMONS AND LOVED THEM BOTH, BUT WAS A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED IN THE LOST SYMBOL. IT WAS GOOD, BUT THE 12 HOURS WAS JUST TOO DRAWN OUT. THE INTEREST IN WASH, DC WAS GREAT AND KNOW THEY WILL BE DOING BOOK TOURS SOON. DAN BROWN IS STILL AN EXCELLENT STORY TELLER!
Reviewer: Rick
It was worth the wait! The unfolding of the symbolism within our capital was fascinating. The bringing to light of the true message of the Free-Masons was enlightening to say the least. Many times we fear and dislike what we do not understand. That is why a book of this depth is a grand challenge to the intellect.
Again, well done. Intrweaving history and symbolism with mystery and adventure is what makes Dan Brown the genius he is. The amount of research that went into this writting had to be monumental, and it showed in the end product.
Reviewer: Ron