Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace (First Edition, First Printing, Little, Brown, 1996)

First edition, first printing of David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest, published by Little, Brown and Company in 1996. Copyright page states “First Edition” and displays the complete 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 number line, confirming the first printing. Original dust jacket retains the publisher’s $29.95 U.S. / $40.00 Canadian price.

Wallace’s massive 1,079-page second novel became one of the defining works of late-20th-century American fiction. Set largely around a Massachusetts tennis academy and addiction-recovery residence, the novel intertwines stories of addiction, entertainment, ambition, family, loneliness and contemporary American culture. Its nonlinear structure, hundreds of endnotes, dark humor and extraordinary scope established Wallace as one of the most influential American writers of his generation.

Publisher’s blue paper-covered boards backed in darker blue cloth, with silver spine lettering, in the original cloud-design dust jacket.

Condition: Very Good+ overall. This is an unusually attractive copy for such a large, heavy book. Binding is firm and square, with the enormous text block holding nicely and no obvious major sagging or separation. Blue boards remain bright with only light shelf wear. Interior appears clean and unmarked. Text-block edges show some light age toning and minor handling/soiling, primarily toward the bottom edge.

Original unclipped dust jacket is bright and presents extremely well, with slight rubbing and minor edge wear, including light wear at the spine ends and corners. No significant chips or large tears visible. The jacket's gloss, color and front-panel presentation are particularly strong.