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December 2, 2008 8:48:23 PM CST

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Writer David Foster Wallace Found Dead

Posted Sep 13, 08 10:10 PM CDT in US 

(Newser) – Author David Foster Wallace, best known for his 1996 novel Infinite Jest, has been found dead in his California home at the age of 46, the Los Angeles Times reports. His wife, who found his body Friday, told police that he hanged himself. Wallace gained worldwide renown for his ambitious first novel, The Broom of the System, but he cemented his literary reputation with the 1,000-page Jest because of its complexity and dark humor.

Jest was named one of the best 100 English-language novels in 83 years by Time magazine. Wallace taught creative writing at Pomona College, near his home in Claremont. He had gained a cult following for his body of work, which includes Girl with Curious Hair and Brief Interviews with Hideous Men. He earned a MacArthur "genius" grant in 1997.

Sources Los Angeles Times, Associated Press

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Writer David Foster Wallace, 46, was found dead in his California home.   (Marion Ettlinger)
David Foster Wallace.   ((c) Steve Rhodes)
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