Children’s Guide to V.
The cover, inspired by 1950s school workbooks
22 pages, saddle-stitched. 7” x 9”
A satirical reader’s guide for Thomas Pynchon’s novel V. , framing the novel’s expansive narrative through the lens of a mid-century grade-school workbook. The format mirrors the essential subtext of the novel, where the adult characters act exactly like children. Unburdened by responsibilities (or keen to eschew them), they wander aimlessly—clumsily navigating the world by brutish touch, and often defaulting to oral exploration.
The visual identity is derived from 1950s elementary school workbooks, a nod to both the novel’s temporal setting and the satirical absurdity of assigning V. to eight year olds.
Table of contents spread.
A lesson in angles with Esther. The source material from the novel is included as excerpts below each exercise.
Matching sounds activity and Father Fairing's lesson in conversions.
Counting money activity.
The back cover, featuring a manhole cover. A portion of V. takes place in New York City sewers.
Click to see more work
