1. Thomas Pynchon
By Kari Fowler

2. My Name is Thomas Pynchon
Thomas Ruggles Pynchon Jr born May 8, 1937
One of three Children
Oyster Bay High School- “Student of the Year”
Began writing short fictional pieces and newspaper articles in high school
At sixteen he graduated with plans to study engineering physics at Cornell University

3. What Happens Next? Dropped Cornell to serve in U.S Navy
1957- Pursues English degree
“The Small Rain”
Fun fact: Growing up he was reportedly spotted attending lectures given by Nabokov

4. Mr. Pynchon’s Early Career Life
In 1962 was employed as a technical writer in Boeing, Seattle
Inspired by his background in physics and technical journalism, he started writing Gravity’s Rainbow (published in 1973)
Novel is about the end of WWII, dispatch of V-2 rockets, and the search to uncover the details of the secret device called the "Schwarzgerät“
(Pulitzer Prize Winner)

5. The Crying Lot of 49 Published in 1966 Postmodern Fiction
Book is about Women, Oedipa Maas, and a conflict between two mail distributing companies

6. Pynchon’s Work
Pynchon’s themes consist of racism, imperialism, religion and culture
Best known for his short stories and the following works: The Crying Lot of 49, Gravity’s Rainbow, Vineland, Mason & Dixon, and Against the Day
Thomas Pynchon= 1984 Foreword by George Orwell

7. Don’t look at me! Thomas Pynchon Fun Facts
Hates media
Rarely is spotted in public
First appearance one The Simpsons, portraying himself
Avoided contact with journalists for more than forty years.
Mystery Man????

8. Any Questions?