AtDDtA1: The Light over the Ranges

[Jasper Fidget]

Dave Monroe wrote:
> The Light over the Ranges (AtD, Pt. I, p. 1)
> 
> 
> The singular 'range' seems called for-- so why plural here?
> 

Much of this section takes place in and around Telluride, which is 
surrounded by mountains, sort of boxed in by multiple ranges?

>   Range is defined in the Oxford American Dictionary as "a line or
> series of mountains or hills : the coastal ranges of the northwest,"
> so perhaps "range" or "ranges" can be used to denote a number of
> mountains.  'Ranges' may also refer to farms, homesteads and ranches
> in 1893 America. America was predominantly that in 1893. Cf. "Home,
> home on the range".
> 
> http://against-the-day.pynchonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=ATD_1-25#Page_1

Also, from Webster's 1913:

7. A wandering or roving; a going to and fro; an excursion; a ramble; an 
expedition.

     He may take a range all the world over. South.

8. That which may be ranged over; place or room for excursion; 
especially, a region of country in which cattle or sheep may wander and 
pasture.

9. Extent or space taken in by anything excursive; compass or extent of 
excursion; reach; scope; discursive; as, the range of one's voice, or 
authority.

     Far as creation's ample range extends. Pope.

     The range and compass of Hammond's knowledge filled the whole 
circle of the arts. Bp. Fell.

     A man has not enough range of thought. Addison.