Thomas Pynchon's novels are released in e-book format

Author Thomas Pynchon, one of the few remaining writers to resist converting his work into digitial form, has allowed his books to be sold in e-book format, according to the Penguin Press, which will publish the works.

Penguin will release e-book versions of Pynchon’s eight books, including “Gravity’s Rainbow” and “The Crying of Lot 49,” starting today.

President and editor-in-chief of Penguin Ann Godoff said that she believes Pynchon simply felt the moment was right.

“There has been a great desire to have all of Tom’s books in digital format now, for many years,” Godoff told The New York Times. “He didn’t want to not be part of that.”

And Godoff said the author also was motivated by a desire that would be felt by any writer.

“I think he wants to have more readers,” she said.

Pynchon, who is an intensely private writer, would not comment on the move to e-book format. Pynchon’s wife Melanie Jackson, who is a literary agent, is said to have negotiated the deal.