The Known World


The Known World is a 2003 historical novel by Edward P. Jones. Set in Virginia during the antebellum era, it examines the issues regarding the ownership of black slaves by both white and black Americans.
The book was published to acclaim, which praised its story and Jones's prose. In particular, his ability to intertwine stories within stories received great praise from The New York Times.
The narration of The Known World is from the perspective of an omniscient figure who does not voice judgment. This allows the reader to experience the story without bias.

Awards and nominations

The novel won a National Book Critics Circle Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2004. In 2005 it won the International Dublin Literary Award, one of the richest literary awards for a novel in the English language. It was a finalist for the 2003 National Book Award.
In 2009, website The Millions polled 48 critics, writers, and editors; the panel voted The Known World the second best novel since 2000.