David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest is easy to recognize and surprisingly easy to misdescribe. The first trade edition, the state of its dust jacket, and the publisher's advance “Special Galleys” are related but distinct identification questions.
The first edition, first printing
The first edition was published by Little, Brown and Company in Boston in 1996. A first printing should have:
- “First Edition” on the copyright page.
- A complete number line ending in 1: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1.
- 1,079 numbered pages, preceded by four unnumbered pages.
- Blue cloth-backed boards with silver lettering on the spine.
- A dust jacket priced at $29.95 on the front flap.
The copyright page and number line identify the printing. The jacket alone does not.
The first-state dust jacket
The rear panel of the first-state jacket contains eight advance reviews. In the last review, William T. Vollmann's surname is misspelled “Vollman.” This is the best-known jacket point.
That typo identifies the state of the jacket, not necessarily the printing of the book inside it. Jackets can be switched, so a correct jacket should always be checked against the copyright page and full number line.
The advance Special Galleys
Before publication, Little, Brown issued an advance copy designated “Special Galleys” on the printed wrappers. It contains the complete 1,079-page text and is substantially different from an ordinary later paperback.
The issue is often described as comprising roughly 1,000 copies, many signed by Wallace. That figure should be treated as reported rather than as a formally documented limitation unless publisher evidence accompanies the copy. Some examples retain additional promotional material, including a fold-out publisher's pamphlet. Such material adds interest and value but is not required to identify the Special Galleys themselves.
A signature, inscription, or drawing should be described exactly as it appears. Provenance matters, particularly with signed advance material.
What matters to collectors
At 1,079 pages, Infinite Jest is a physically demanding book. The weight of the text block can strain the binding, and jackets often show rubbing, creasing, edge wear, or fading. Collectors should look for:
- A firm binding without sagging or separation.
- A clean, complete text block without remainder marks.
- The original unclipped $29.95 dust jacket.
- Minimal wear to the jacket's dark surfaces and spine ends.
- For advance copies, sound wrappers and any accompanying publisher material.
- For signed copies, a clearly described signature and credible provenance.
Quick identification checklist
- Little, Brown and Company, 1996.
- “First Edition” on the copyright page.
- Full number line ending in 1.
- 1,079 numbered pages.
- Blue cloth-backed boards with silver spine lettering.
- $29.95 price on the jacket's front flap.
- “Vollman” misspelling on the rear panel for the first-state jacket.
Remember: the misspelling confirms the jacket state; the copyright page confirms the book's printing.
Copies currently available
- First edition, first printing in the first-state dust jacket
- Signed advance Special Galleys with promotional pamphlet
- Sell a rare book to The Rare Book Sleuth
References
- First Edition Points, Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace.
- Copies examined and photographed by The Rare Book Sleuth.