Summary of "The Known World | Wikipedia audio article"

Overview:
- The Known World is a historical novel written by Edward P. Jones, published in 2003.
- The story is set in Virginia during the antebellum era (pre-Civil War).
- It explores the complex and often overlooked issue of black slave ownership by both white and black Americans.
Narrative Style:
- The novel is narrated from the perspective of an omniscient, impartial narrator.
- This narrative choice allows readers to engage with the story without the influence of explicit judgment or bias.
Critical Reception:
- The novel received widespread acclaim from literary critics.
- Particular praise was given to Jones’s prose and his skill in weaving multiple interconnected stories.
- The New York Times highlighted Jones’s ability to intertwine stories within stories.
Awards and Honors:
- Won the National Book Critics Circle Award (2004).
- Won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (2004).
- Won the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award (2005), noted as one of the richest literary awards for English-language novels.
- Finalist for the National Book Award (2003).
- Ranked as the second-best novel since 2000 by a panel of 48 critics, writers, and editors on the website The Millions (2009).

Speakers/Sources Featured:

Narration from Wikipedia audio article (no individual speakers identified)
References to literary critics, The New York Times, National Book Critics Circle, Pulitzer Prize committee, International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, National Book Award, and The Millions website panel