Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.A.: Louisiana State Univ Press, 1981. Second Printing . Hardcover. Near Fine/Near Fine. Nice, tight, original second printing stated, making it a first state jacket. Jacket minutely stressed at some extremities.

Synopsis

A Confederacy of Dunces is a picaresque novel written by John Kennedy Toole, published in 1980, 11 years after the author died by suicide at the age of 31. The book was published through the efforts of writer Walker Percy (who also contributed a revealing foreword) and Toole's mother, Thelma Toole. In 1981, it won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, granting posthumous recognition to John Kennedy Toole. The novel has since gained a cult following and is celebrated as a classic of American literature. Set in New Orleans during the 1960s, A Confederacy of Dunces revolves around the eccentric and socially awkward protagonist, Ignatius J. Reilly. Ignatius is an obese, unemployed, highly educated man who lives with his overbearing mother. The novel follows Ignatius as he navigates various misadventures, often clashing with the world around him due to his pompous intellect and disdain for modern society. Ignatius is a self-proclaimed philosopher and writer who spends most of his time writing in his ever-present journal, "The Journal of a Working Boy," where he criticizes the world's perceived injustices. Ignatius's life takes an unexpected turn when his mother forces him to find a job to contribute to their finances. His misadventures in the working world lead him to cross paths with a colorful cast of characters, including his eccentric employer, a former girlfriend, a politically active barmaid, a black prostitute, and a policeman who becomes obsessed with exposing Ignatius's alleged communist activities. The novel's humor lies in the absurd situations, ironic dialogue, and the juxtaposition of Ignatius's intellectual pretensions with the realities of his daily life. Through Ignatius's escapades, the novel explores themes of societal conformity, alienation, and the clash between traditional values and modernity.

Reviews

On Dec 7 2004, Pazzo Books said:

One of the most built up novels of all time - while it didn't fall flat on its face by any means, the build up ruins it. Extremely funny at times, but impossibly uneven. If no one has ever told you it's the best book ever, give it a try.

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Details

Bookseller: Craig Hokenson Bookseller (US)
Bookseller's Inventory #: 044557
Title: A Confederacy Of Dunces
Author: Toole, John Kennedy
Format/Binding: Hardcover
Book Condition: Used - Near Fine
Jacket Condition: Near Fine
Quantity Available: 1
Edition: Second Printing
ISBN 10: 0807106577
ISBN 13: 9780807106570
Publisher: Louisiana State Univ Press
Place of Publication: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.A.
Date Published: 1981
Keywords: MOTHERS SONS FICTION NEW ORLEANS
Bookseller catalogs: General;

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Craig Hokenson Bookseller

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About Craig Hokenson Bookseller

I am internet based, and participate in several book shows a year. Visitors welcome by appointment. I specialize in modern first editions, but offer a wide range of books. I have been buying and selling books for 20 years. I buy books, and will certainly consider trades. Member of the Texas Booksellers Association.

Glossary

Glossary

Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:

Jacket: Sometimes used as another term for dust jacket, a protective and often decorative wrapper, usually made of paper which wraps...
First State: used in book collecting to refer to a book from the earliest run of a first edition, generally distinguished by a change in some...
Tight: Used to mean that the binding of a book has not been overly loosened by frequent use.
Fine: A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the...