V.
PYNCHON, Thomas.
V.
“Life's single lesson: that there is more accident to it than a man can ever admit to in a lifetime and stay sane": First edition of Thomas Pynchon's first book V.; finely bound by the Harcourt Bindery
Philadelphia and New York: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1963.
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Item Number: 151472
First edition of Pynchon’s first book. Octavo, bound in full morocco by the Harcourt Bindery with gilt titles and ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, gilt decorations to the front panel, gilt inner dentelles stamp-signed by the Harcourt Bindery, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. Founded over a century ago in 1900, the Harcourt Bindery is the oldest and largest traditional bindery in America exclusively devoted to fine traditional leather bookbinding by hand. Harcourt Bindery uses 22 karat genuine gold leaf, top grades of Nigerian moroccos, and hand marbled papers from craftsmen representing seven countries. In fine condition. An exceptional presentation.
After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in English from Cornell University, Pynchon was employed as a technical writer for The Boeing Company in Seattle, Washington where he compiled safety articles and newsletters. His experiences at Boeing inspired his depiction of the Yoyodyne Corporation, the fictional defense contractor featured both in V. and The Crying of Lot 49. His debut novel, V. chronicles the exploits of discharged Navy sailor Benny Profane and his reconnection in New York with a group of pseudo-bohemians. Pynchon was critical of the 50s and 60s countercultural movements stating that they "placed too much emphasis on youth, including the eternal variety." V. won The Faulkner Foundation Award for Best First Novel of the Year upon publication in 1963. "V may well stand as one of the very best works of the century" (Atlantic Review).
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