Synopses & Reviews
Few contemporary writers are as enigmatic as J. D. Salinger. Best known for The Catcher in the Rye, which continues to be read and discussed by secondary school students, undergraduates, and scholars, Salinger also wrote numerous shorter works. This reference covers his entire oeuvre. Since Salinger's life figures prominently in his works, an introductory essay considers autobiographical elements in his writings and foregrounds the chapters that follow. Subsequent chapters examine each of his major works, or a collection of related writings. Included are discussions of such topics as: BLCritical reception BLThemes BLNarrative structure and point of view BLCharacterization and style BLSettings and symbols BLInterpretations of his texts Chapters close with lists of works for further reading, and the volume concludes with several appendices and extensive primary and secondary bibliographies.
Review
With Alsen's book available, teachers of American Studies should see more term papers dealing with the reclusive Salinger. This book provides a solid guide.JASAT
Synopsis
Best known for The Catcher in the Rye, which continues to be read and discussed by secondary school students, undergraduates, and scholars, Salinger also wrote numerous shorter works. This reference covers his entire oeuvre, including autobiographical elements in his writings.
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. [249]-261) and index.
Synopsis
This book surveys and discusses the entire body of Salinger's work and presents extensive bibliographical information.
About the Author
EBERHARD ALSEN is Professor of English at the State University of New York, Cortland. His previous works include Romantic Postmodernism in American Fiction (1996), along with articles in such journals as American Literature, Studies in Short Fiction, and Emerson Society Quarterly.
Table of Contents
Preface: Yet there is method in't
Introduction: Salingers Life as Reflected in His Work
The Early Stories
The Inverted Forest
The Catcher in the Rye
Nine Stories
Franny
Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters
Zooey
Seymour: An Introduction
Hapworth 16, 1924
The Glass Family Series
Conclusion: The Persistence of Salinger's Reputation
Epilogue: Salinger's Non Sequiters
Appendix I: Index of Salinger's Fictional Characters
Appendix II: A Glass Family Chronology
Appendix III: Salinger's Philosophy of Composition
Bibliography
Index