Cowboys, Indians and Commuters

by David Foster Wallace (Editor), David Foster Wallace, Jeffrey Eugenides

This is an anthology of fiction, by those who began publishing in the 1990s. The authors include Terry McMillan, Mark Leyner, Jeffrey Eugenides, Paul Watkins, William Vollman, Darcey Steinke and Dorothy Alison.

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories, Anthologies

279 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

David Foster Wallace was an acclaimed American writer known for his fiction, nonfiction, and critical essays that explored the complexities of consciousness, irony, and the human condition. Widely regarded as one of the most innovative literary voices of his generation, Wallace is perhaps best known for his 1996 novel Infinite Jest, which was listed by Time magazine as one of the 100 best English-language novels published between 1923 and 2005. His unfinished final novel, The Pale King, was published posthumously in 2011 and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
Born in Ithaca, New York, Wallace was raised in Illinois, where he excelled as both a student and a junior tennis player—a sport he later wrote about with sharp insight and humor. He earned degrees in English and philosophy from Amherst College, then completed an MFA in creative writing at the University of Arizona. His early academic work in logic and philosophy informed much of his writing, particularly in his blending of analytical depth with emotional complexity.
Wallace’s first novel, The Broom of the System (1987), established his reputation as a fresh literary talent. Over the next two decades, he published widely in prestigious journals and magazines, producing short stories, essays, and book reviews that earned him critical acclaim. His work was characterized by linguistic virtuosity, inventive structure, and a deep concern for moral and existential questions. In addition to fiction, he tackled topics ranging from tennis and state fairs to cruise ships, politics, and the ethics of food consumption.
Beyond his literary achievements, Wallace had a significant academic career, teaching literature and writing at Emerson College, Illinois State University, and Pomona College. He was known for his intense engagement with students and commitment to teaching.
Wallace struggled with depression and addiction for much of his adult life, and he was hospitalized multiple times. He died by suicide in 2008 at the age of 46. In the years since his death, his influence has continued to grow, inspiring scholars, conferences, and a dedicated readership. However, his legacy is complicated by posthumous revelations of abusive behavior, particularly during his relationship with writer Mary Karr, which has led to ongoing debate within literary and academic communities.
His distinctive voice—by turns cerebral, comic, and compassionate—remains a defining force in contemporary literature. Wallace once described fiction as a way of making readers feel "less alone inside," and it is that emotional resonance, alongside his formal daring, that continues to define his place in American letters.

Reviews

[Rich Gamble · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but not essential collection of American Fiction from the 1990's. Jay picks some future lit stars like Jeff Eugenides and Jennifer Egan and if you're a fan its interesting to read some of their earliest printed work. Other stories are by long forgotten authors with some being rather forgettable. Pick of the bunch is 'Sleepytown' by Donna Tart which is understandable given it was written around the same time as 'The Secret History', one of the best books published in the 90's.

[Alex Zeegers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Een leuke bloemlezing van Amerkaanse auteurs uit de beginjaren '90 van de vorige eeuw.
Niet alle verhalen vond ik leuk er waren ook een paar die ik wat verwarrend vond of mij niet lagen. Zoals het verhaal van Meyner diie ik niet uitgelezen heb.

[Sofia Jeličić · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! My favorites were:
1. Her Real Name
2. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven
3. Capricious Gardens
4. Cowboys are My Weakness

I don't get why this book is virtually unknown, as are most of the stories in here..

[ALM · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interestingly curated set of stories with some key highlights (Sleepytown, Fucking Martin, Her Real Name, Crusader Rabbit and Cowboys are my Weakness) but the lowlights were low and often confusing

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good stories, some forgettable, some annoyingly and datedly PoMo. Those by Dorothy Allison, Jeff Eugenides, David Foster Wallace and Jennifer Egan stood out for me – especially the Wallace story, which is the only one that felt like a ‘classic’.

[Amberle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bleacgh. Typical 90's bleak-for-no-reason-and-lack-of-content bullshit. Not a single one of these stirred my emotions. Nor did they even set me thinking about the woes of the world they try to poetically describe.