I'm saddened to see that Barth has passed, but I'm happy to see his work get some appreciation here. Coincidentally, I am currently reading a copy of "The Sot-Weed Factor" I picked up from a used and rare book store[0] located about 15 miles from his hometown of Cambridge, MD. It is as insightful as it is hilarious. I can't recommend it and "Giles Goat-Boy" enough.