The points of issue
First printing has the full number line ending in '1' and 'FIRST EDITION'; first-issue dust jacket priced the printed price with the cloud/sky design and the correct rear-panel. The advance/uncorrected proof (galley) is a distinct sought-after state.
Is this the true first?
US Little, Brown 1996 first printing is the true first; UK (Abacus, 1997) follows. Signed firsts are scarce; DFW signed copies are heavily forged, so provenance matters. The green uncorrected proof is a separate collectible advance state.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club copies are blind-stamped, lack 'First Edition'/number line, and are unpriced; later printings drop the '1'.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Infinite Jest a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing has the full number line ending in '1' and 'FIRST EDITION'; first-issue dust jacket priced the printed price with the cloud/sky design and the correct rear-panel. The advance/uncorrected proof (galley) is a distinct sought-after state.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. US Little, Brown 1996 first printing is the true first; UK (Abacus, 1997) follows. Signed firsts are scarce; DFW signed copies are heavily forged, so provenance matters. The green uncorrected proof is a separate collectible advance state.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club copies are blind-stamped, lack 'First Edition'/number line, and are unpriced; later printings drop the '1'.
I have a first edition of Infinite Jest — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.