J.D. Salinger (1 Viewer)
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theBaron
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Not as big a fan of the book, but he and I share an alma mater. He went to Ursinus College, as did I, though I stayed longer than he did. It's rumored that the school that serves as the setting for "Catcher" is based on our school. That may or may not be true.
Other Ursinus lore, or better, myths, about Salinger are that he failed freshman English, and that in his description of the campus in the novel, he mentions a tree growing in the end zone of the football field. Neither are true. He didn't fail English, but he did only spend a year at UC. And the old sycamore that grew in our home team end zone is not mentioned anywhere in the story (wouldn't be relevant to the story).
Prost!
Brad
Other Ursinus lore, or better, myths, about Salinger are that he failed freshman English, and that in his description of the campus in the novel, he mentions a tree growing in the end zone of the football field. Neither are true. He didn't fail English, but he did only spend a year at UC. And the old sycamore that grew in our home team end zone is not mentioned anywhere in the story (wouldn't be relevant to the story).
Prost!
Brad
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Combat
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Interesting that he apparently continued to write with no intention of ever publishing any of his work. At least not in his lifetime. I've read somewhere that he wanted all his unpublished writings destroyed. I'm sure the relatives will try to make a profit though. Other than Garbo, I can't think of anyone else who turned their back on fame, money etc.
Catcher in the Rye was also associated with the individuals who shot John Lennon and Ronald Reagan. The guy who shot Lennon had a copy with him. Would have been fascinating to know what Salinger felt about those events. But I guess we will never know.
Catcher in the Rye was also associated with the individuals who shot John Lennon and Ronald Reagan. The guy who shot Lennon had a copy with him. Would have been fascinating to know what Salinger felt about those events. But I guess we will never know.
theBaron
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Personally, I don't think it's a classic, but rather, it's very specific to the time period in which he wrote it. I always thought Holden Caulfield needed a smack upside the head, even when I was his age and had to read it for 10th grade English.
Prost!
Brad
Prost!
Brad
jazzeum
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Combat
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Interesting article in the NY Times on Salinger. Apparently some of the locals are opening up now: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/01/us/01salinger.html?hp