Correcting author’s name
In his letter to the editor on July 8, Charles Gordon attempted to correct an error made by Hannah Anderson when mentioning the name of the late author of A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES in her column. Mr. Gordon stated that the column wrongly reported his name as John Kennedy Tool when his actual name was John Kennedy O’Toole. Both reports of his name are wrong. His name was John Kennedy Toole.
Mr. Gordon also dismissed A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES as “abysmal.” He is certainly entitled to his opinion, but I believe I speak for many people around the world, especially local readers, in saying that DUNCES is a brilliant work. The book has many characters that are colorful, diverse and true-to life.
The New Orleans setting is vividly described. The way the characters’ lives converge is quite ingenious. The behavior and dialect of the characters is hilarious.
In the midst of all the humor, Toole manages to bring serious societal questions to the forefront which are still relevant today. Please Mr. Gordon, give A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES another chance!
Jeffrey Hingle
Library Associate
Hill Memorial Library