THE CATCHER IN THE RYE by Salinger, J.D - 1951

Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1951. First edition. Near fine in like jacket. First issue of this enduring portrait of adolescent angst. Divisive since it was published (when James Stern famously mocked CATCHER in his NEW YORK TIMES review by writing in the voice of Haulden Caufield), Salinger's novel of a teen's adventures and alienations in New York City remains equally beloved and denounced. One of the most widely banned books ever published, it has been both scapegoated as a template for deranged gunman (like Mark David Chapman) and praised as a "perfect book" (Adam Gopnik). These tensions continue to drive its popularity and importance, and CATCHER regularly appears on the lists of the best novels of the 20th century. A handsome example of this controversial classic. 7.75'' x 5''. Original full black cloth, gilt-lettered spine. Original unclipped ($3.00) red pictorial dust jacket designed by Michael Mitchell. [6], 277, [1] pages. Housed in a custom red quarter goatskin clamshell box. Touch of edgewear to jacket spine extremities, a few barely visible spots to jacket. Book with spots of toning in gutters and on rear pastedown. Overall fresh and bright.