BOOK BRIEF

Giles Goat-Boy

John Barth
Guide cover placeholder

Giles Goat-Boy

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1987

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
John Barth

Giles Goat-Boy

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1987
Book Details
Pages

752

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

University Campus • Indeterminate

Publication Year

1987

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Giles Goat-Boy by John Barth is an allegorical novel where a young man, raised as a goat, discovers his human identity and embarks on a quest for enlightenment. Set in a university that represents the world, the story explores themes of knowledge, power, and identity through the protagonist's encounters and experiences.

Fantastical

Mysterious

Contemplative

Humorous

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

3.9

2,282 ratings

62%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Giles Goat-Boy is praised for its inventive narrative and allegorical depth, blending satire with myth. Critics appreciate Barth's intellectual engagement and humor, but some find the novel overly complex and unwieldy. Its ambitious scope sparks diverse interpretations, appealing to readers who enjoy detailed, intricate storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Giles Goat-Boy?

A reader who enjoys Giles Goat-Boy by John Barth likely appreciates satirical metafiction exploring themes of identity and knowledge. Fans of Thomas Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow or Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five might also enjoy Barth's blend of absurdity and philosophical depth.

3.9

2,282 ratings

62%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Giles Goat-Boy is a satirical novel that was published in 1966 and is often considered a major work in postmodern American literature.

The novel is notable for its complex allegorical structure, using a university as a metaphor for the universe, which invites readers to explore themes of identity and knowledge.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

John Barth's playful narrative techniques in Giles Goat-Boy include pseudo-academic elements such as introductions and notes attributed to fictional editors, contributing to the novel's metafictional nature.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Book Details
Pages

752

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

University Campus • Indeterminate

Publication Year

1987

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!