The Istoriaphile’s Corner

I thought I read a lot until I met J_,  We were working in the same law firm and introduced to each other as great readers.  But J__ leaves me in the dust.  For example, when we first met and ran over lists of our favorite books she added, “And of course, I love A Confederacy of Dunces.”  That brought me up short.  I hadn’t even heard of A Confederacy of Dunces.  If you haven’t, get ready.  This isn’t one great story, it’s two. The story behind the story is incredible.  This young guy, John Kennedy Toole, writes a comedy novel during the late 50’s and early 60’s while he’s serving in the army.   He comes home to his native New Orleans, starts teaching and finishes the draft of the book.   He finishes the novel and ships it off to one of the best publishing houses at the time, and the editors indicate they are interested in publishing it.  (This rarely happens to a first-time novelist).  The book needed work, they said, but they’re interested.   So Toole goes back and revises.   And revises.  And revises.  After almost a decade of rewrites and revision, the publisher turns the book down.   All…