About the Book

National Book Award

Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards

Pulitzer Prize

National Book Critics Circle Award

In one of the most acclaimed novels in recent memory, Edward P. Jones, two-time National Book Award finalist, tells the Pulitzer Prize-winning story of Henry Townsend, a black farmer and former slave who is now a slave owner in Manchester County, Virginia. Making certain he never circumvents the law; Townsend runs his affairs with unusual discipline. In a daring and ambitious novel, Jones weaves a footnote of history into an epic that takes an unflinching look at slavery in all of its moral complexities.

“A masterpiece that deserves a place in the American literary canon.”-Time

Freshman Common Read: Kalamazoo College

Critical Praise

“Jones has written a book of tremendous moral intricacy.” — The New Yorker

“A masterpiece that deserves a place in the American literary canon.” — Time

“Breathtaking....A fascinating counterweight to Toni Morrison’s Beloved....It is essential reading.” — Entertainment Weekly

” An exemplar of historical fiction. . . [it] will subdue your preconceptions, enrich your perceptions and trouble your sleep.. . .The way Jones tells this story. . .recalls Cormac McCarthy, William Faulkner and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.” — Newsday

” An exemplar of historical fiction. . . [it] will subdue your preconceptions, enrich your perceptions and trouble your sleep.. . .The way Jones tells this story. . .recalls Cormac McCarthy, William Faulkner and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.” — Starred Library Journal

“Astonishingly rich. . .The particulars and consequences of the ‘right’ of humans to own other humans are dramatized with unprecedented ingenuity and intensity, in a harrowing tale that scarcely ever raises its voice. . . . It should be a major prize contender.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred)

“A stunning debut novel.” — Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Fascinating...poignant....[A] complex and fine novel.” — Baltimore Sun

“A strong, intricate, daring book by a writer of deep compassion and uncommon gifts.” — Peter Matthiessen

“Stunning....His first novel is...likely to win acclaim.” — New York 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

“One of those rare works of fiction that both wound and heal.” — O Magazine

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

“Heartbreaking....fascinating.” — Newsweek

“Brilliant....Glorious....[The Known World] belongs on the shelf with other classics of slavery, like Toni Morrison’s “Beloved.” — Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Fascinating . . .There is grief and fear, genuine affection an envy in this complex and fine novel.” — Philadelphia Inquirer

“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

“A profoundly beautiful and insightful look at American slavery and human nature.” — Booklist (starred)

“Vivid....[An] epic novel.” — Book Magazine

“Beautifully written . . .[it] ought to enjoy the massive readership that Charles Frazier’s runaway hit, Cold Mountain did.” — USA Today

“Brilliant...Jones’ novel movingly evokes one small landscape of a larger map that so stubbornly yields up its truths today” — St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“Stunning....Pitch-perfect....Too much cannot be said about Mr. Jones gifts as a storyteller and a stylist.” — The Washington Times

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

“This...magical novel will touch you in a profound way.” — People (4-Starred Critic's Choice)

“Complex, beautifully written, and breathtaking...the book will knock the wind out of you with the depth of its compassion.” — QBR: The Black Book Review

“Heartrending....[The Known World] walks with the pace and solemnity of the Bible.” — Dallas Morning News

“[A] powerful, multigenerational saga.” — Chicago Tribune Books

“Jones has written a book of tremendous moral intricacy.” — The New Yorker

“An incredible saga.” — Essence

“Destined for a permanent spot on the...shelf of great American novels about slavery, next to Morrison...and Faulkner.” — Boston Globe

“A grand and inspired work of historical fiction. . .[It] deserves every word of praise that comes its way.” — Chicago Tribune Books

“A masterpiece that deserves a place in the American literary canon.” — Time magazine

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Product Details

• ISBN: 9780061159176
• ISBN 10: 0061159174
• Imprint: Amistad
• On Sale: 08/29/2006
• Trimsize: 5.500 in (w) x 8.250 in (h) x 1.080 in (d)
• Pages: 432
• List Price: $17.99
• BISAC1 : FICTION / Historical
• BISAC2 : FICTION / African American / Historical
• BISAC3 : FICTION / Cultural Heritage