Item 12C
The Catcher in the Rye
1951
First Edition
First Issue
Original Dust Jacket
Presentation Copy
This copy of The Catcher in the Rye documents some of J.D. Salinger’s connections in the literary world because it was inscribed two days after publication to an editor at The New Yorker magazine. The novel relates in teenage language of the 1950s two days in the life of Holden Caulfield, a sensitive, rebellious adolescent. Confused and disillusioned, Holden searches for truth and rails against the “phoniness” of the adult world. Although originally written for adults, The Catcher in the Rye immediately found adolescent readers who connected with Holden’s search. It is still assigned to many high school students. The success of The Catcher in the Rye vaulted Salinger to the heights of literary fame.
What will you discover next?
Another book with an often-lost dust jacket?
Go To Item 12A
An earlier example of a distinctive and comedic American writer?
Go To Item 13D