Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon is a complex and occasionally shocking novel that can be read on many levels. Traversing an immense range of knowledge, it transgresses boundaries between high and low culture, between literary propriety and profanity, and between science and speculative metaphysics. To those who knew him, it should come as no surprise that this was Harlen's favorite book; the description of the work could equally apply to Harlen himself.
The title of the novel, among other things, describes the parabolic trajectory of a V-2 rocket: the "rainbow-shaped" path created by the missile as it moves under the influence of gravity, subsequent to the engine's deactivation. Part One of the novel, titled "Beyond the Zero" refers to the mathematical equation describing this trajectory, suggesting a continuation of the trajectory beyond the point of impact and destruction.
The epigraph for Part One, a quotation from a pamphlet written by Wernher von Braun, implies a deeper significance, suggesting that like the trajectory of the rocket some part of us goes on beyond the end of our physical existence.
"Nature does not know extinction; all it knows is transformation. Everything science has taught me, and continues to teach me, strengthens my belief in the continuity of our spiritual existence after death."
So here we are, Beyond the Zero. Harlen is no longer with us. Yet in our hearts and in our minds his voice and spirt remain strong, and he has left us with an amazing wealth of written material by which we can remember him.
This site is intended to serve as an archive preserving the life and works of a unique individual who left us far too soon. Access to the archive is free (by request) and we welcome friends and family to join us. We gratefully accept any photographs, correspondence, e-mails, or remembrances you may wish to contribute to the archive.
Grateful acknowledgement to Wikipedia for verbiage that permitted me to bring my own thoughts into sharper focus.
