Salinger: The Classic Critical and Personal Portrait

Now back in print, Salinger: A Critical and Personal Portrait is a classic collection of critical and personal essays on J.D. Salinger, author of The Catcher in the Rye, by more than 20 of the most acclaimed writers and critics of his era—including John Updike, Alfred Kazin, and Arthur Mizner. Revived for Salinger’s 90th year, Salinger: A Critical and Personal Portrait offers an extraordinary time capsule: a round table discussion between America’s literary elite that will delight Salinger fans, scholars, and critics alike. |

Now back in print—a timeless collection of essays celebrating one of American literature's most acclaimed and enigmatic icons

J. D. Salinger's provocative writing and unmatched eye for the contours of American youth have earned him a place in literary and cultural history. Few living American writers enjoy more exuberant and widespread acclaim—though in his ninety years Salinger has published only one novel, the extraordinary The Catcher in the Rye, and several enormously successful short story collections.

In 1962—before the shy and elusive author made his mysterious withdrawal from public life—editor Henry Anatole Grunwald asked twenty-six of Salinger's peers to explore the perplexing questions surrounding the writer and his work. What manner of man was he? Was he primarily a social commentator, a satirist, a religious fanatic, or simply a genius?

This new edition of the classic work, revived in the ninth decade of Salinger's life, stands as an extraordinary time capsule—an intimate examination and appreciation of a singular American literary artist whose work remains powerful and true to this day.