Books

First Edition. First State Dustjacket. Pynchon's scarce first novel in a first state dustjacket without review blurbs on the rear panel. The rear panel lists the contents of the book from chapter one to chapter seventeen. VG+/VG A crisp copy in lavender-colored cloth stamped brightly in silver on the spine. With black top-staining. Internally, very clean, tight, with former owner's name and date in ink at the top of the front endpaper. There's a quarter inch of light sunning to the bottom front edge and the bottom of the spine where the dustjacket seems to have shifted at one point and exposed the cloth to sunlight. In a very colorful and complete dustjacket designed by Ismar David printed in blue, purple, gold, black and white with the original price of $5.95 at the bottom of the inside front flap. With rubbing and light wear to the top and bottom of the spine ends; light edge-rubbing and scattered soiling to the rear panel. Two small light brown stains about the size of a pencil eraser at the top corner of the front panel. Scarce. First Edition. First State Dustjacket.

"V." is a complex and multi-layered novel by Thomas Pynchon that spans continents and decades, showcasing the author's unique literary style and postmodern narrative techniques. The novel weaves together two main storylines: one follows Benny Profane, a wandering and somewhat aimless individual navigating the chaotic streets of New York City, and the other revolves around the search for an elusive and mysterious woman known only as V. Benny Profane, a disenchanted and somewhat passive character, spends his days in a group of similarly directionless friends known as the Whole Sick Crew. Their aimless exploits and misadventures reflect the absurdity and randomness of life in the modern world. Pynchon uses Profane's narrative to explore themes of aimlessness, existential crises, and the search for meaning in a seemingly chaotic existence. Interwoven with Profane's story is the quest to uncover the identity and history of V., a enigmatic and enigmatic woman who seems to appear across various times and places throughout the novel. As characters delve into this mystery, the narrative jumps across different settings and historical periods, including Egypt, Malta, and Italy, spanning from the early 20th century to the post-World War II era. Pynchon employs a nonlinear and non-traditional storytelling approach, incorporating a wide array of eccentric characters, historical references, and intricate subplots. The novel explores themes of entropy, the impact of technology on society, colonialism, conspiracy, and the struggle between order and chaos. Throughout the book, Pynchon's intricate prose and dense, often cryptic, narrative challenge readers to piece together the fragments of the story, offering a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating reading experience. "V." is celebrated for its richly detailed world, its exploration of existential questions, and its innovative narrative style, establishing Thomas Pynchon as a significant figure in contemporary literature. The novel's complexity invites multiple interpretations and continues to captivate readers with its depth and intricacy.