The Catcher in the Rye
Maker
J. D. Salinger
(American, 1919 - 2010)
Date1951
ClassificationsHistory
DimensionsOverall: 5 x 8 in. (12.7 x 20.3 cm)
DescriptionThe Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, published by Little, Brown and Company: 1951. This is a first edition printing featuring the cover artwork by artist E. Michael Mitchell. The cover shows a red horse with the book's title in yellow at top. The Catcher in the Rye tells the story of Holden Caufield, detailing a his experiences during a Christmas break at his prep school after being expelled. The book has become a cultural touchstone for teenage feelings, with its themes of young rebellion, anxiety, and alienation. The book was an immediate success, but was met with controversy and continues to be challenged in American society where it continues to face censorship.
Author J.D. Salinger (1919-2010) had written several short stories prior to publishing The Catcher in the Rye in 1951. Following the book's success, Salinger continued to write into the 1960s but began to withdraw from the public. He led a reclusive life from the 1970s until his death in 2010.
