The Gold Bug Variations
The Gold Bug Variations is a novel by American writer Richard Powers, first released in 1991.
 First edition | |
| Author | Richard Powers |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | William Morrow & Company |
Publication date | August 1, 1991 |
| Media type | Print (hardback & paperback) |
| ISBN | 0-688-09891-6 |
| OCLC | 22665566 |
| 813/.54 20 | |
| LC Class | PS3566.O92 G65 1991 |
Plot introduction
The novel intertwines the discovery of the chemical structure of DNA with the musicality of Johann Sebastian Bach's harpsichord composition the Goldberg Variations. A similar theme is explored by Douglas Hofstadter in his 1979 book Gödel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid. The title also alludes to Edgar Allan Poe's 1843 short story "The Gold-Bug", which is also incorporated in the plot of the novel.[1]
The plot hinges on two love affairs: the first set in the 1950s, between two scientists intent on discovering the mysteries of DNA; the second in the 1980s, between two lovers who befriend the scientist featured in the novel's flashbacks.
Awards
The Gold Bug Variations has received the following awards:
- Time magazine Book of the Year, 1991
- Publishers Weekly Best Books of 1991
- Vrij Nederland Best Books of 1991
- New York Times Notable Book, 1991
- De Morgen Best Book of 1991 (named in 1999, in a compilation of the best books each year over the last half century)
- Finalist, National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction, 1991
References
- "Genetic Coding and Aesthetic Clues: Richard Powers's 'Gold Bug Variations'". Mosaic. Winnipeg. 31 (4): 151. December 1, 1998.
External links
- Bibliography of editions of Gold Bug Variations.
- Listing of reviews and writings about Gold Bug Variations.