The Known World - Softcover

Jones, Edward P

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0060557559 ISBN 13: 9780060557553

Publisher: Amistad Press, 2004

Synopsis

In one of the most acclaimed novels in recent memory, Edward P. Jones, two-time National Book Award finalist, tells the story of Henry Townsend, a black farmer and former slave who falls under the tutelage of William Robbins, the most powerful man in Manchester County, Virginia. Making certain he never circumvents the law, Townsend runs his affairs with unusual discipline. But when death takes him unexpectedly, his widow, Caldonia, can't uphold the estate's order and chaos ensues. In a daring and ambitious novel, Jones has woven a footnote of history into an epic that takes an unflinching look at slavery in all of its moral complexities.

This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.

About this title

Review:

"Fascinating...poignant....[A] complex and fine novel."--Baltimore Sun

"'The Known World' is a great novel, one that may eventually be placed with the best of American Literature."--San Diego Union-Tribune

"An incredible saga."--Essence

"A strong, intricate, daring book by a writer of deep compassion and uncommon gifts."--Peter Matthiessen

"Beautifully written . . .[it] ought to enjoy the massive readership that Charles Frazier's runaway hit, Cold Mountain did."--USA Today

"One of those rare works of fiction that both wound and heal."--O Magazine

"Once you start the book you are hooked....Consider this novel necessary reading."--Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"A major achievement."--Time Out New York

"Extraordinary.....Nothing...quite prepares readers for the imaginative leaps and technical prowess of 'The Known World.'"--Seattle Times

"If Jones. . .keeps up this level of work, he'll equal the best fiction Toni Morrison has written about being black in America."--Speakeasy

About the Author:

Edward P. Jones, the New York Times bestselling author, has been awarded the Pulitzer Prize, for fiction, the National Book Critics Circle award, the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, and the Lannan Literary Award for The Known World; he also received a MacArthur Fellowship in 2004. His first collection of stories, Lost in the City, won the PEN/Hemingway Award and was short listed for the National Book Award. His second collection, All Aunt Hagar's Children, was a finalist for the Pen/Faulkner Award. He has been an instructor of fiction writing at a range of universities, including Princeton. He lives in Washington, D.C.

About this edition

• Publisher: Amistad Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0060557559
• ISBN 13: 9780060557553
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 400