Salinger, J. D. “The Catcher in the Rye” [Modern Library, 1959] First Modern Library Edition

SALINGER, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye.

New York: Modern Library, 1959. First Modern Library edition, as stated on copyright page. Publisher's red cloth with black and gilt decoration to front board and spine, in original price-clipped dust jacket. One small nick to upper edge of front board, otherwise minimal wear. Gift inscription dated Christmas 1959 on dedication page. Dust jacket shows light toning and minor edge wear. Near Fine in Very Good dust jacket.

First published in 1951, The Catcher in the Rye became one of the defining American novels of the twentieth century. Narrated by the disillusioned teenager Holden Caulfield, Salinger's novel explores adolescence, alienation, and the perceived hypocrisy of adult society. This first Modern Library edition, published eight years after the novel's original appearance, features the distinctive red cloth binding and typographic dust jacket characteristic of the series.