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A Confederacy of Dunces

By John Kennedy Toole
Series: Penguin Clothbound Classics
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Confederacy of Dunces is a comedic novel set in New Orleans, focusing on the misadventures of the eccentric and egotistical Ignatius J. Reilly. The story follows his attempts to find employment while critiquing everything from modern society to his own family. His escapades lead to a series of comically disastrous encounters, revealing his unique blend of brilliant insights and absurd behaviours within a richly detailed city landscape.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy satirical and comedic tales filled with eccentric characters. Set in New Orleans, it offers a vivid tour through the city’s quirky underbelly, all seen through the eyes of an unforgettable, bumbling protagonist. You might also appreciate the rich dialogue and the way it cleverly captures the absurdities of life.

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A Confederacy of Dunces

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A stunning clothbound edition of John Kennedy Toole's savagely funny, satirical masterpiece.

A monument to sloth, rant, and contempt, a behemoth of fat, flatulence, and furious suspicion of anything modern—this is Ignatius J. Reilly of New Orleans, noble crusader against a world of dunces. The ordinary folk of New Orleans seem to think he is unhinged as well. Ignatius ignores them as he heaves his vast bulk through the city's fleshpots in a noble crusade against vice, modernity, and ignorance. But his momma has a nasty surprise in store for him. Ignatius must get a job...

A Confederacy of Dunces is a brilliant and engrossing narrative that captures the essence of New Orleans and introduces one of the most unique and unforgettable characters in literature. This clothbound edition is a perfect addition for both new readers and ardent fans of John Kennedy Toole's hilarious and tragic world.

Series: Penguin Clothbound Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole is often praised for its comedic brilliance and unforgettable characters. The character of Ignatius J. Reilly is particularly noted for his eccentric and colourful personality, which encapsulates much of the novel's humour. The book is celebrated for its vivid depiction of New Orleans and its ability to make readers laugh even on repeated readings.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241284667

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 06 October 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 29.0mm

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 205.0mm

Weight: 460g

Pages: 352

Collections

Fiction General Fiction John Kennedy Toole Literary Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Series: Penguin Clothbound Classics

About the Author

John Kennedy Toole was born in New Orleans in 1937. He received a master's degree in English from Columbia University and taught at Hunter College and at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. He wrote A Confederacy of Dunces in the early sixties and tried unsuccessfully to get the novel published; depressed, at least in part by his failure to place the book, he committed suicide in 1969. It was only through the tenacity of his mother that her son's book was eventually published and found the audience it deserved.

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