summary

Summary

«Mason & Dixon» is a historical novel by Thomas Pynchon that chronicles the lives and adventures of two British astronomers and surveyors, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon. Set in the 18th century, the novel covers a multitude of events, including their famous expedition to establish the boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland, known as the Mason-Dixon Line. Pynchon masterfully intertwines historical facts with fictional elements, creating a complex narrative filled with philosophical reflections, satire, and humor. The novel explores themes of friendship, scientific progress, colonialism, and human nature, offering readers a profound and layered perspective on the Enlightenment era.