The Pale King
by David Foster Wallace, Michael Pietsch
The Pale King by David Foster Wallace, Michael Pietsch holds a well received rating of 3.95 out of 5, based on 11K reader ratings. First published in 2011. The book spans 548 pages.
About The Pale King
The agents at the IRS Regional Examination Center in Peoria, Illinois, appear ordinary enough to newly arrived trainee David Foster Wallace. But as he immerses himself in a routine so tedious and repetitive that new employees receive boredom-survival training, he learns of the extraordinary variety of personalities drawn to this strange calling. And he has arrived at a moment when forces within the IRS are plotting to eliminate even what little humanity and dignity the work still has.The Pale King remained unfinished at the time of David Foster Wallace's death, but it is a deeply compelling and satisfying novel, hilarious and fearless and as original as anything Wallace ever undertook. It grapples directly with ultimate questions--questions of life's meaning and of the value of work and society--through characters imagined with the interior force and generosity that were Wallace's unique gifts. Along the way it suggests a new idea of heroism and commands infinite respect for one of the most daring writers of our time.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | David Foster Wallace, Michael Pietsch |
| Published | 2011 |
| Pages | 548 |
| Genres | Fiction, Fiction |
| Average Rating | 3.95 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 10,982 |
Reader Ratings & Analysis
Rating Overview
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Pale King?
The Pale King is categorized as Fiction, Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Fiction.
Is The Pale King worth reading?
Based on 11K reader ratings, The Pale King has an average score of 3.95 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is The Pale King?
The Pale King has 548 pages. It is a longer read suited for dedicated readers.
Who wrote The Pale King?
The Pale King was written by David Foster Wallace, Michael Pietsch. It was first published in 2011.
What is the ISBN for The Pale King?
The ISBN-13 for The Pale King is 9780316074230.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 23, 2026
