International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award
2005 · Fiction · Winner
About This Book
From Edward P. Jones comes one of the most acclaimed novels in recent memory—winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction.
The Known World 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.
Edward P. Jones has woven a footnote of history into an epic that takes an unflinching look at slavery in all its moral complexities.
"A masterpiece that deserves a place in the American literary canon."—Time
The Known World 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.
Edward P. Jones has woven a footnote of history into an epic that takes an unflinching look at slavery in all its moral complexities.
"A masterpiece that deserves a place in the American literary canon."—Time
Awards
Black Caucus of the American Library Association Literary Award
2004 · First Novel · Winner
Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers
2004 · Young Adult · Nominee
ALA Notable Books
2004 · Fiction
Pulitzer Prize
2004 · Fiction · Winner
Book Club Picks
2003 · Costco's Buyer's Pick
National Book Award
2003 · Fiction · Finalist
National Book Critics Circle Award
2003 · Fiction · Winner
