The Catcher In the Rye

Published in 1951, The Catcher in the Rye has become a common part of high school and college curricula throughout the English-speaking world and has been translated into all major languages. Since its publication with a $3.00 sticker, it has reportedly sold more than 65 million copies. The novel's antihero, Holden Caulfield, has become a cultural icon for teenage rebellion. Due to its liberal use of profanity and portrayal of sexuality and teenage angst, it has frequently been met with censorship challenges in the United States making it one of the most challenged books of the 20th century.

Catcher in the Rye was published in simple black cloth with gilt spine lettering and decorative devices.  As is the custom for Little, Brown, first editions are so stated on the copyright page. The most important point of issue regards the jacket, for which the first state has a photographer credit for Lotte Jacobi under the picture of Salinger and lacks any statement about book of the month club on the front jacket flap.

Because of it's demand and relative scarcity, many collectors opt for later printings that still share the same basic aesthetic as the first printing at a fraction of the cost. The first book club printing is often sought after as it came out at the same time as the true first. These are also available at discounted prices, although still rather high comparatively for a book club edition. Collectors of vintage paperbacks may find the first paperback edition, issued by Signet Books in 1953 appealing as well.