Satire and dark comedy · Comic novels · Literary
A Confederacy of Dunces
Ignatius J. Reilly, a pompous, unemployed medievalist living with his mother in New Orleans, is forced to find work. His schemes collide with a cast of eccentric locals.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1980
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 338
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like broad, absurd comedy with an unforgettable, unbearable hero.
Skip this if you have little patience for self-absorbed characters or rambling plots.
The feel
Content warnings
None noted yet.
Quick answers about A Confederacy of Dunces
- What is A Confederacy of Dunces about?
- Ignatius J. Reilly, a pompous, unemployed medievalist living with his mother in New Orleans, is forced to find work. His schemes collide with a cast of eccentric locals.
- Who should read A Confederacy of Dunces?
- Read it if you like broad, absurd comedy with an unforgettable, unbearable hero. Skip it if you have little patience for self-absorbed characters or rambling plots.
- How long and how fast is A Confederacy of Dunces?
- It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 338 pages, first published in 1980.
- Does A Confederacy of Dunces have content warnings?
- We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
- Can I borrow A Confederacy of Dunces for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends A Confederacy of Dunces; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
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| Ebook | ||
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| Audiobook | ||
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Satire and dark comedy
