In the highly unlikely event that an entrepreneurial publisher is reading this blog, may I respectfully recommend that you consider re-issuing a book that you presents the basics of English grammar and composition in a light hearted, user-friendly manner.
If that sounds a little dull or uninviting, take note of the fact that the author is the mother of the late great David Foster Wallace.
Sally Foster Wallace’s book was designed primarily for students whose previous experiences with English textbooks and classes were frustrating and boring. Irrespective of the worthy educational value (I’d love to be able to recommend this book to my students), it sounds like it would also give a fascinating insight into DFW’s gift for language.
It apparently even uses the phrase ‘howling fantods’ long before it featured prominently in Infinite Jest. (Sally wrote : “Snakes give me the howling fantods”). This term, by the way, is succinctly defined in The Urban Dictionary as “a stage 4 case of the heebie jeebies”
The interest in her son’s work and inspirations is still high as evidenced by the recent publication of his unfinished novel The Pale King (which I am eagerly awaiting delivery of). It therefore seems ridiculous that to buy a copy of his Mom’s book at Amazon.co.uk, the cheapest used edition will set you back £56.
Related links:
- The Howling Fantods – the best source of DFW related info on the web
- Inside David Foster Wallace’s Private Self-Help Library (The Awl.Com)
- Unfinished Business (time.com)
- “The Pale King”: David Foster Wallace’s last battle (salon.com)
