It is a consummate performance of erudition, shot through with prickly self-consciousness—arguably as impressive, and influential, as Wallace’s whole literary output. February marks 30 years since the publication of Wallace’s magnum opus, Infinite Jest, which publisher Back Bay Books is celebrating with a new paperback edition. It is a strong candidate for the definitive American novel of the ’90s. Volleying between arch irony and deep sincerity, Infinite Jest draws from a wealth of literary and pop cultural wellsprings. Infinite Jest is formidable.