Books

First edition, third printing, with "Reprinted July 1951 (twice)" on the copyright page. Scarce original dust jacket with the Salinger photo on the rear panel and $3.00 price present on the front flap. Measuring approximately7.5" x 5", with 252 numbered pages. This book is in very good minus condition. Moderate wear and staining to the black cloth boards. Moderate foxing to all edges of textblock. Minor foxing to interior pages. Dust jacket is in good minus condition. Large chip missing from the front panel. Moderate chipping and creasing to the extremities. "The Catcher in the Rye" is an American novel by J. D. Salinger and was originally intended for adults but is often read by adolescents for its themes of angst and alienation. About one million copies of The Catcher and the Rye are sold every year. The novel was included on Time's 2005 list of the 100 best English-language novels written since 1923. Please view the many other rare titles available for purchase at our store. We are always interested in purchasing individual or collections of fine books. Inventory #(O7-2).

"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.