Pulitzer Prize Fiction Winner

A Confederacy of Dunces

by John Kennedy Toole

Summary

A picaresque, comedic masterpiece set in New Orleans featuring the eccentric, arrogant, and hilariously delusional Ignatius J. Reilly.

Historical Context & Significance

A tragic and famous win; Toole died by suicide 11 years before publication. His mother tirelessly campaigned to get the book published, eventually succeeding with the help of author Walker Percy.