Welcome Andrew!

[Craig G. Bleakley]

Andrew--
welcome not just to the peculiar world of the works of Thomas Ruggles
Pynchon, but to the perhaps even more peculiar world of the Pynchon
listserv.  Obsession, delusion, and paranoia play larger roles than sexual
episodes in both textual landscapes, so I don't think you'll see much in
either that you wouldn't see in, say, "Ulysses" or on the James Joyce listserv.

One of the main reasons we're all Pynchon nuts here is becuase he's an
absolute recluse--the guy is pushing sixty and there hasn't been a photo
published of him after '59 or so, I think.  Also, he happens to one heckuva
writer.

"Gravity's Rainbow" is largely considered Pynchon's greatest work, and one
of the greatest novels of the century, or of American lit, depending on your
preference of context.  But don't discount Pynchon's other works.  As a
young writer, you might be happy to be aware of his unique style.

We're especially anxious since we await the newest Text from the master, the
first novel in seven years (or the second in 23 years).  All of his other
stuff is currently in print and readily available.

Admittedly, he's an intimidating writer, and if you find yourself running up
against a brick wall with him, you might look at the less intimidating Kurt
Vonnegut Jr., perhaps especially "Slaughter-House Five."  But don't forget
that Pynchon's out there, and as a young writer, it will behoove you to
grapple with him sooner or later.  Also, any background info you care to
unearth regarding the sixties counter-culture movement or World War II will
be useful.

I think you can lend an interesting and unique perspecitve to this listserv
and I welcome your participation (I'd be especially interested to hear your
responses to the list member's responses to your having subscribed).  

You may disregard this welcome if you aren't who you say you are--until you
fess up.

Sincerely,
Craig Bleakley