The flattened American landscape of minor writers

[Carvill John]

Hi Quail
 
I enjoyed your post, but I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this one.
 
<< I know what you are saying, but I disagree. I think Pynchon is a superior
novelist from a purely "literary" standpoint (whatever that means! "You know
it when you see it," etc.), but they actually share a lot of themes,
particularly regarding the fluid nature of identity and the energies of
sexual liberation. And on a more superficial level, well -- some sections of
Against the Day -- the Chums of Chance, the sand-ships -- could have been
lifted right out of Moorcock, if not lifted and skewed at a different
angle... So, yes -- They can be compared, and I think *should* be compared.>>
 
I can see the thematic connections and comparisons you make between Pynchon and Moorcock as perfectly valid. But as you yourself say, in 'pure literary' terms, there's no doubt that Pynchon is far superior. Yes, that's a very difficult matter to quantify, but we have to accept that there is some sort of hierarchy of literary quality, however amorphous or non-linear, and it would surely be difficult to argue that Pynchon belongs several rungs above Moorcock.
 
It's funny, I have seen Pynchon books shelved in the 'Sci-Fi' sections of 2nd hand bookshops, which always struck me as way wrong, although I'm aware a strong argument could be built against my view.
 
If I recall correctly, Moorcock wrote a review of ATD, but as far as I remember he went a bit off-topic, it was quit an odd piece.
 
I've read Alan Moore making great claims for Moorcock, and it's just not the case that Moorcock can be considered as a serious rival for teh best novelists in the post-war era. 
 
<< Sorry -- I think the answer has to be "yes." I think that "The Watchmen" and
"From Hell" stand at the pinnacle of their medium, the comic or "graphic
novel." There are themes, passages, ideas, even *sentences* in "Watchmen"
that affect me just as much as anything in Pynchon.>>
 
Right, but the pinnacles of the comic book medium, whether you want to call them 'graphic novels' or not (and that term can be seen as self-negating), can't compete with teh pinnacles of the novel medium - I mean, come on! - so all that proves is that the novel is a superior medium. It's not that I demand a skewed playing field, the playing field is already slanted.
 
Cheers
John
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