Fiction Giant David Foster Wallace Dead at 46

nik.mercer — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:29:58 -0700

DAVID FOSTER WALLACE, 1962 - 2008

This weekend brought the shockingly sad news that postmodern literary icon David Foster Wallace had committed suicide, by hanging, at the age of 46. D.F.W. was the author of Infinite Jest, the cinderblock-sized, footnote-crazed novel about Quebecois terrorists, drug addiction, and tennis. He wrote laser-sharp essays on everything from lobsters to politics and luxury cruise ships, as well as brilliant short fiction in collections like The Girl With Curious Hair. For those who haven’t heard of Wallace and therefore might not give a damn, start with one of the author’s more approachable works, like The Broom of the System. Then check out this comprehensive piece over at the L.A. Times, which includes a list of links to video interviews and more.

Insert virtual moment of silence here.