Tom Robbins

Easton Press Tom Robbins books

Even Cowgirls get the Blues - signed modern classic - 2003

Franklin Library Tom Robbins books

Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates - signed first edition - 2000

 

 

Writer Tom Robbins

Tom Robbins, born Thomas Eugene Robbins on July 22, 1932, in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, is an acclaimed American novelist known for his unique blend of irreverent humor, vivid imagery, and philosophical insights. Raised in a strict Baptist household, Robbins developed an early fascination with literature and storytelling, which would later shape his illustrious career as a writer. After attending Hargrave Military Academy and Washington and Lee University, Robbins embarked on a series of unconventional pursuits, including a stint as a DJ and a brief period as an art student in Richmond, Virginia. However, it wasn't until he discovered the bohemian counterculture of the 1960s that Robbins found his true calling as a writer.

In 1971, Robbins published his debut novel, Another Roadside Attraction, a whimsical tale that defied categorization and established him as a literary force to be reckoned with. The novel's unconventional narrative style, surrealistic imagery, and subversive humor captivated readers and critics alike, earning Robbins a devoted following. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Robbins continued to delight readers with a string of critically acclaimed novels, including Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (1976), Still Life with Woodpecker (1980), and Jitterbug Perfume (1984). His works were characterized by their vibrant characters, intricate plots, and profound exploration of themes such as love, spirituality, and the human condition. Robbins' distinctive writing style, marked by his use of wordplay, metaphor, and cultural references, set him apart from his contemporaries and solidified his reputation as a master storyteller. His novels often defied traditional narrative conventions, blending elements of fantasy, satire, and social commentary to create immersive and thought-provoking worlds.

In addition to his novels, Robbins was also an accomplished essayist and journalist, contributing articles to publications such as Esquire, Playboy, and Rolling Stone. He was known for his sharp wit, insightful observations, and willingness to tackle controversial subjects with honesty and candor. Over the years, Robbins' work has garnered numerous awards and accolades, including the William Faulkner Foundation Award and the Berkeley Citation from the University of California, Berkeley. His novels have been translated into over 20 languages and continue to resonate with readers around the world.

Despite his success, Robbins remained humble and down-to-earth, shying away from the spotlight and maintaining a low profile in his personal life. He has described himself as a "mystic vagabond," seeking inspiration and enlightenment through his travels and experiences. Today, Tom Robbins is regarded as one of America's most beloved and influential writers, revered for his wit, wisdom, and boundless imagination. His novels continue to inspire readers of all ages, inviting them to explore the mysteries of life and revel in the beauty of the human spirit.

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues is a novel first published in 1976. Set in the countercultural landscape of the 1970s, the novel follows the adventures of Sissy Hankshaw, a free-spirited young woman born with abnormally large thumbs, which she regards as her most distinctive feature. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a colorful and eccentric cast of characters, including ranchers, cowgirls, mystics, and outlaws, all of whom intersect in a series of interconnected plotlines that blend humor, satire, and philosophical inquiry. As Sissy embarks on a journey of self-discovery, she encounters a diverse array of experiences and encounters, from hitchhiking across America to joining a troupe of female cowgirls who perform daring feats of rodeo skill. Along the way, she grapples with questions of identity, freedom, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems absurd and chaotic. Through Robbins' signature prose style, characterized by his use of wordplay, metaphor, and social commentary, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues explores themes such as individuality, nonconformity, and the pursuit of authenticity in a society that prizes conformity and conventionality.

The novel received mixed reviews upon its initial publication, with some critics praising Robbins' imaginative storytelling and irreverent humor, while others found fault with its meandering plot and unconventional narrative structure. However, over time, "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" has come to be regarded as a cult classic and a defining work of postmodern literature.

In 1993, the novel was adapted into a film directed by Gus Van Sant, starring Uma Thurman as Sissy Hankshaw. While the film received mixed reviews from critics and underperformed at the box office, it introduced Robbins' work to a new generation of readers and viewers, further solidifying his status as a visionary storyteller. Despite its initial reception, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues endures as a testament to Robbins' unique voice and singular vision, inviting readers to embrace the quirks and contradictions of life with humor, compassion, and an open mind.

 

Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates

Published in 2000, Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates follows Switters, a CIA operative, who finds himself on a wild journey across the globe after being bitten by a rare poisonous lizard. Switters' adventures take him from the jungles of Peru to the streets of Paris as he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including shamans, mercenaries, and CIA agents. Along the way, Switters grapples with questions of morality, spirituality, and the nature of reality, all while navigating the absurdities of modern life. With Robbins' trademark wit, irreverence, and philosophical insight, Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates is a rollicking and thought-provoking exploration of love, freedom, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

Tom Robbins quotes

"Our greatest human adventure is the evolution of consciousness."
"We waste time looking for the perfect lover, instead of creating the perfect love."
"Salvation is for the feeble, that's what I think. I don't want salvation, I want life, all of life, the miserable as well as the superb."
"People of ze wurl, relax!"
"Don't be outraged, be outrageous."