John Kennedy Toole was a novelist and college professor, born on December 17, 1937, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He completed two novels during his brief life: the first, Neon Bible, which he wrote in high school, he later distanced himself from, labeling it "adolescent"; the last, A Confederacy of Dunces, the majority of which he wrote while serving in the Army as an English language instructor, never found substantive recognition and remained unpublished during Toole's lifetime. After struggling with a persistent sense of literary failure, Toole developed depression and a sense of personal persecution that worsened through subsequent years and eventually destroyed the success he had...
Join Now to View Premium Content
GradeSaver provides access to 2419 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11057 literature essays, 2808 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.
