This panel to be proposed for the ALA Conference in San Francisco, May 24-27, 2012, will attempt to bring discussions of Pynchon "down to earth" by examining the role of the physical landscape, whether natural or man-made, in Thomas Pynchon's fiction. Topics might include the significance or significations of wandering, travelling, map-making, going under the ground, or flying over it; real estate development; feng shui; real, imaginary, and disappeared geographies; strange weather; hollow earths; borders of land and sea; geology; freeways; places of power; the power of place.

Proposals dealing with more than one work are particularly encouraged, though papers on single works are also welcome.

Please submit 250 word proposals for 15-20 minute papers to John Miller at jmiller@nu.edu by January 15, 2012.