Written in 1996 by David Foster Wallace, this huge novel is noted for its unconventional narrative structure (modeled after the Sierpinski gasket - self-similar sets) and its experimental use of endnotes. It has been categorized as an encyclopedic novel, attempting to 'render the full range of knowledge and beliefs of a national culture'. In the novel's future world, the United States, Canada, and Mexico together compose a unified North American superstate known as the Organization of North American Nations, or O.N.A.N. (an allusion to onanism). Corporations are allowed the opportunity to... Show more

Written in 1996 by David Foster Wallace, this huge novel is noted for its unconventional narrative structure (modeled after the Sierpinski gasket - self-similar sets) and its experimental use of endnotes. It has been categorized as an encyclopedic novel, attempting to 'render the full range of knowledge and beliefs of a national culture'.

In the novel's future world, the United States, Canada, and Mexico together compose a unified North American superstate known as the Organization of North American Nations, or O.N.A.N. (an allusion to onanism).

Corporations are allowed the opportunity to bid for and purchase naming rights for each calendar year, replacing traditional numerical designations with ostensibly honorary monikers bearing corporate names. Although the narrative is fragmented and spans several "named" years, most of the story takes place during "The Year of the Depend Adult Undergarment" (Y.D.A.U.). Overall, there are four major interwoven narratives in the novel.

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