<blockquote> <p> Now back in print?a timeless collection of essays celebrating one of American literature's most acclaimed and enigmatic icons </p> </blockquote> <p> 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 <i>The Catcher in the Rye</i>, and several enormously successful short story collections. </p> <p> 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? </p> <p> 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. </p>