"Mason & Dixon" is a postmodern historical novel which follows the story of the 18th-century British astronomers and surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, who are known for the Mason-Dixon line. The novel is written in a complex, digressive style, and it includes numerous sub-plots and a wide range of themes. It explores the scientific, philosophical, and sociopolitical issues of the Enlightenment era, as well as the personal lives and friendship of the two title characters.

This historical work, published in the late 18th century, represents one of the earliest comprehensive efforts to systematically document the roadways crisscrossing the young United States. It serves as a pioneering atlas and travel guide, providing detailed maps and descriptions of routes, distances, and topographical features. Aimed at assisting travelers and promoting commerce, the book reflects the ambitious spirit of a nascent nation eager to connect its vast and varied landscapes, facilitating movement and communication across its burgeoning communities.