The Known World

The Known World is a novel by Edward P. Jones that delves into the intricate lives of freed and enslaved blacks, whites, and Indians in Manchester County, Virginia, during the antebellum period.

The story centers around Henry Townsend, a black farmer and former slave who becomes a plantation owner under the mentorship of William Robbins.

After Henry's death, his plantation and the broader community face significant upheaval, including slave rebellions and the exploitation of free black people by corrupt patrollers.

The novel provides a deep and nuanced exploration of the multidimensional world created by the institution of slavery.