"A Confederacy of Dunces" is a novel written by John Kennedy Toole, published posthumously in 1980. The story follows Ignatius J. Reilly, an eccentric and overweight man living in New Orleans who struggles to find his place in the world. His misadventures and interactions with a colorful cast of characters highlight themes of absurdity and social critique. The novel is known for its rich humor and vivid portrayal of New Orleans culture. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1981 and has since become a classic of American literature, celebrated for its unique narrative style and memorable characters.