The Sot-Weed Factor by John Barth
"The Sot-Weed Factor" is a satirical, picaresque novel set in the late 17th century, revolving around an innocent poet from London who is tricked into becoming a tobacco sot-weed factor in Maryland. The protagonist's misadventures, filled with mistaken identities, pirates, Native Americans, and a wide array of eccentric characters, mirror the challenges and absurdities of America's early colonial period. The narrative, rich in historical detail and parody, explores themes of identity, truth, and the nature of reality.
The 861st greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1960
- Nationality
- American
- Type
- Fiction
- Pages
- 700-800
- Words
- 212,000
- Original Language
- English
If you're interested in seeing the ranking details on this book go here
This book is on the following lists:
- 7th on For The Love of Books (For The Love of Books)
- 42nd on 20th Century's Greatest Hits: 100 English-Language Books of Fiction (Larry McCaffery)
- TIME Magazine All Time 100 Novels (TIME Magazine)
- The 100 Greatest American Novels, 1893 – 1993 (Jeff O'Neal at Bookriot.com)
- Harold Bloom's The Western Canon (The Western Canon (Book) by Harold Bloom)