Books

Baton Rouge and London: Louisiana State University Press, 1980. First Edition, First Printing. First edition, first printing with no additional printings listed on the copyright page. First issue dust jacket with the Walker Percy blurb on the rear panel. Signed by author Walker Percy, who wrote the foreword for the book, on a professionally tipped in page from a signed limited edition, therefore the authenticity is guaranteed. This book measures approximately 9.25" x 6", with 338 numbered pages. This book is in very good plus condition. Minor staining to the edges of the textblock with an indentation to the lower corner of the textblock. Dust jacket is in near fine condition. Minor edgewear to both ends of spine and flap folds. Original $12.95 price present on the front flap. "A Confederacy of Dunces" remained unpublished for 11 years after the author's death. Toole's mother convinced Walker Percy to read the manuscript, who in turn convinced LSU to publish the book. The book…

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.

First editions of 'A Confederacy of Dunces' can be identified by the lack of mention of the Pulitzer Prize on the cover and the presence of editorial reviews. Additionally, the correct ISBN number and the date of the print run also help to verify the first edition.