Zachary Mason
Zachary Mason is an acclaimed American author with a background in mathematics and philosophy and an internationally acclaimed body of work that spans fiction and non-fiction. His debut novel, The Lost Books of the Odyssey (2007), was an immediate critical and commercial success, garnering praise from a variety of literary journals, websites and newspapers. Inspired by classical works from Ancient Greece, as well as his knowledge of mathematics and philosophy, Mason weaves an intricate and compelling tale of violence and faith in this novel.
The story follows an unnamed protagonist, a man in his late 30s, who traces the wanderings of Odysseus and other Greek heroes. The mysterious journey takes the protagonist through a dark world of espionage, mythology and urban fantasy. Exploring themes of identity, faith, and culture, this novel paints a complex and thrilling tale of a man's search for ultimate meaning.
Mason is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of fiction, infusing his work with philosophical thought and mathematical theory. His followup to The Lost Books of the Odyssey, Void Star (2017), further developed this concept. In this novel, Mason presents a distant future where artificial intelligences can simulate mortality and control commerce. By mixing quantum computing and utilitarian ethics, Mason constructs a thought-provoking meditation on mortality and morality.
Void Star was a critical success and an Amazon No. 1 best-seller, further propelling Mason to the forefront of the genre. But Mason is not a one-hit wonder; he has continued to write thought-provoking works such as The Sunwives of Boca Chica (2021) and The Architects of Infinity (2023).
The Sunwives of Boca Chica tells the story of a group of Mexican immigrants living in a near-future city that has been abandoned by civilization. Here, the protagonists must come to terms with their precarious freedom, and discover the power of faith and family. The Architects of Infinity is a sweeping interstellar epic which explores the idea of infinite worlds and limits of the human search for understanding. Whether through mathematics, philosophy, or science, Mason’s work continues to expand the scope of fiction and provide unique perspectives on humanity’s place in the universe.
Mason has been recognized for his work in a wide variety of ways. His books have been translated into dozens of languages, and his accolades include National Science Foundation and National Endowment for the Arts fellowships as well as a Guggenheim Fellowship. His work has been reviewed in major outlets such as The New York Times, NPR, and The Atlantic, and he has been invited to speak at MIT, Stanford, and Harvard University.
In an ever-growing market of books and authors, Zachary Mason stands out for his philosophical thought and mathematical understanding. His work allows readers to explore a variety of themes, some more expansive than others, but each filled with emotion and intellectual exploration. The Lost Books of the Odyssey, Void Star and The Sunwives of Boca Chica remain essential reads for those who wish to expand their knowledge and understanding of mathematics and philosophy, while The Architects of Infinity encourages readers to ponder the boundless possibilities of human existence.
