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A Confederacy of Dunces
by Toole, John Kennedy
- Used
- Paperback
- first
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
BATH, Somerset, United Kingdom
Item Price
CA$78.10CA$62.48
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Paperback. King Penguin. UK. 1981. 'A Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy O'Toole. This book is a Paperback. First edition in this King Penguin format. A handsome copy of John Kennedy O'Toole's 'A Confederacy of Dunces' which hans long been recognised as a being a work of genius. The covers are bright and strong with very good edges and tips. The spine is equally strong and complete and unfaded with a hint of sun-toning. Contents are lightly age toned otherwise bright and clean and unmarked except for the ghost of a price in pencil to the front page. The spine is not broken and this appears to be unread. First published in 1980, around eleven years after the author's death. Not exlib and packed and sent with care.
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.
Read More: Identifying first editions of A Confederacy of Dunces
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
- N K Burchill Rana Books
(GB)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 100003143
- Title
- A Confederacy of Dunces
- Author
- Toole, John Kennedy
- Format/Binding
- Paperback
- Book Condition
- Used
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Weight
- 0.00 lbs
- Keywords
- (hold);
Terms of Sale
N K Burchill Rana Books
14 day return guarantee, with full refund including original shipping costs for up to 14 days after delivery if an item arrives misdescribed or damaged.
About the Seller
N K Burchill Rana Books
Biblio member since 2019
BATH, Somerset
About N K Burchill Rana Books
Small online store. These are books I have collected over many, many years and now want you to enjoy having. Please always get in touch with me via Biblio if you have any questions about any of my books.
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- Edges
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- Spine
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- First Edition
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