Books

1981. Unbound. Near Fine. Silver gelatin photograph of John Kennedy Toole. Measuring 5" x 7". Fine with "Ken Toole" in ink on the rear of photo. This is the more uncommon image of Toole that appeared on the English first edition. [With] Two loose sheets. The first, consisting of four paragraphs, presents "Comments from Walker Percy, author of THE MOVIEGOER and LANCELOT" and is Signed by Percy in blue ink at the top. The second sheet, headed "Catalog Copy," presents three paragraphs about the books, including a quotation from Percy. These came from an extensive collection of *A Confederacy of Dunces*-related material that included uncorrected proofs, long galleys, advance review copies, and other rarities. We've not seen another copy of this photo or accompany promotional material. Possibly unique.

A Confederacy of Dunces is a picaresque novel by American novelist John Kennedy Toole, published by Louisiana State University Press in 1980, 11 years after Toole's suicide. The book's title refers to an epigram from Jonathan Swift's essay, 'Thoughts on Various Subjects, Moral and Diverting': 'When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him.' Set in New Orleans, the novel bursts with rich and vivid characters, especially the protagonist, Ignatius J. Reilly, whose comedic misadventures are a highlight of the narrative.