Books

A splendid copy in gleaming finely woven black cloth stamped brightly in gold on the spine. Clean and crisp throughout, printed on white creamy paper; with the exception of a faint thumb- smear in the margin of p. 215, not affecting any text. This is a Lending Library Copy from "University Libraries of Cambridge, MA." With 3 rectangular stamps on the front paste-down and the front endpaper: (University Libraries) and (5Cents a day). The rear paste-down shows some abrasion where the dust jacket was removed. In the original, dust jacket with the iconic Lotte Jacobi photo of J.D. Salinger on the rear panel. The jacket has been trimmed along the botom edges but not at the top. With some tape residue at the bottom of the spine. A striking jacket, nonetheless. The volume presents handsomely upon the shelf. The Catcher in the Rye is a 1951 novel by J. D. Salinger. A controversial novel originally published for adults, it has since become popular with adolescent readers for its themes of teenage angst and alienation. It has been translated into almost all of the world's major languages. Around 1 million copies are sold each year with total sales of more than 65 million books. The novel's protagonist Holden Caulfield has become an icon for teenage rebellion. The novel also deals with complex issues of innocence, identity, belonging, loss, and connection. The novel was included on Time's 2005 list of the 100 best English-language novels written since 1923, and it was named by Modern Library and its readers as one of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century. In 2003, it was listed at #15 on the BBC's survey The Big Read. (Wikipedia) First Edition with "First Edition" slug on the copyright page and no subsequent printings listed.

"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger, a seminal novel published in 1951, narrates the existential journey of Holden Caulfield, a disenchanted sixteen-year-old. Expelled from his prestigious prep school, Pencey Prep, Holden embarks on a three-day odyssey in New York City before facing his parents with news of his dismissal. Holden is a troubled and introspective youth, deeply troubled by the phoniness and artificiality he perceives in the adult world. His narrative is marked by a mix of cynicism, vulnerability, and an acute longing for authenticity. Throughout the story, he struggles to come to terms with the adult world, which he perceives as insincere and superficial. Holden's yearning for genuine human connections leads him on a quest for truth and sincerity. He seeks solace in encounters with various characters, such as his younger sister Phoebe, whom he adores for her innocence, and Jane Gallagher, a girl from his past whose innocence he idealizes. His interactions with strangers and acquaintances highlight his discomfort with societal expectations, leading him to alienate himself further. The recurring motif of the "catcher in the rye" emerges from Holden's desire to shield innocence and preserve the purity of childhood. He imagines himself standing in a rye field, catching children on the verge of falling over a cliff, symbolizing his desire to protect innocence from the corruption of the adult world. Holden's narration is characterized by his idiosyncratic voice, filled with colloquial language and slang. His inner turmoil, marked by cynicism, confusion, and vulnerability, resonates with readers, making the novel a relatable exploration of adolescent angst and the challenges of transitioning to adulthood. As the story progresses, Holden grapples with themes of loss, isolation, and the inevitability of change. His longing for authenticity clashes with the reality of a world that he perceives as inauthentic and morally bankrupt. "The Catcher in the Rye" is a timeless coming-of-age novel that continues to captivate readers for its exploration of adolescence, alienation, and the struggle to retain purity and authenticity in a world that seems overwhelmingly phony. Holden Caulfield's search for meaning and truth resonates with audiences, making the novel a classic portrayal of teenage angst and the complexities of growing up.