I just finshed Pynchon's masterpiece and, although it was a tough slog, i loved it. Much of it i didn't get but i still found the whole complexity and cast of eccentric characters captivating.

What are other people's opinions on it? And can anyone suggest any sources for understanding more of this modern classic.

Here is a companion to Gravity's Rainbow that they have on Amazon. It looks pretty good.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0820310263/qid=1137873...846&s=books&v=glance

But I think that you actually get a better understanding of Gravity's Rainbow and similar big american novels from the 60s and 70s by reading more books written in a similar style. Especially read Pynchon's other books Crying of Lot 49 and V as well as my favorite book ever, The Public Burning by Robert Coover. I think reading a lot of this type of novel helps give an understanding of what they were trying to do with fiction, which is much more important, I think, than knowing the particular historical and scientific factoids that Pynchon fills his books with.

Seriously though, If you liked Gravity's Rainbow, give Robert Coover a try if you don't already know him. I think he is probably the best american writer of the last 50 years.

I'll have to add that one to my list. I agreee with your point about looking at what they were trying to do with the novel more than the intricacies themselves. In an english unit i did at uni one of the books we looked at was Joyce's Ulysses. They said "just read it" and not to worry about all the details; the bigger picture and idea as a whole was more important.

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Originally posted by kapa_chow:
I'll have to add that one to my list. I agreee with your point about looking at what they were trying to do with the novel more than the intricacies themselves. In an english unit i did at uni one of the books we looked at was Joyce's Ulysses. They said "just read it" and not to worry about all the details; the bigger picture and idea as a whole was more important.

I agree with this to a point. What makes these writers, and these particular pieces so good, is the "big picture" that is apparent is phenomenal, but the details add an entirely new level of enjoyment if you get them. I had to read Gravity's Rainbow three times to really get the feeling I had a good grasp of the novel as a whole. For some of the more challenging books like the ones mentioned here, I think reading it for the big picture the first time is a wise decision. But if you have time, revisit them for a closer inspection. I agree with keylime, check out Robert Coover. In addition to The Public Burning, check out The Origin of the Brunists and Pinocchio in Venice. Also check out William H. Gass and William Gaddis.