Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Reclusive US novelist J.D. Salinger dies at 91
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Reclusive US novelist J.D. Salinger dies at 91
AFP - Friday, January 29
Send
IM Story
Print
NEW YORK (AFP) - – J.D. Salinger, the reclusive author of "The Catcher in the Rye," has died at 91, his agent said, raising tantalizing questions over whether the legendary writer might have left behind a hoard of unpublished works.
Salinger died Wednesday of natural causes at his home in New Hampshire, the Harold Ober Associates literary agency in New York said.
Born in 1919, Salinger earned a place as one of the giants of 20th century US fiction. His 1951 tale of teenage rebellion, "The Catcher in the Rye," became a cultural icon, making him rich and famous.
But overwhelmed by his sudden fame, he retreated to a hermit-like existence in Cornish, New Hampshire, publishing his last work in The New Yorker magazine in 1965 and refusing interviews for the last three decades of his life.
Fiercely guarding his privacy, he turned to the courts to stop publication of his letters and steadfastly refused offers to sell movie rights to "Catcher."
Just last year in July, a US judge suspended the publication of an unauthorized sequel to "Catcher" by Swedish author Fredrik Colting.
Salinger's death has reignited speculation over whether he may have left behind some valuable works which could be published posthumously.
The author himself revealed in a 1980 interview with the Boston Sunday Globe that he was still producing -- albeit not for an audience.
"I love to write, and I assure you I write regularly. But I write for myself and I want to be left absolutely alone to do it," he said.
Roger Lathbury, whose Orchises publishing house acquired, then lost, the rights in the 1990s to publish in hardback Salinger's "Hapworth 16, 1924," said the literary world is holding its breath.
"Nobody knows how much there is of it, nobody knows what it's like, nobody knows," he told AFP.
"I assume the works, the work that he produced after his last published story in 1965, I assume they've been preserved. They then became part of his literary estate which will be administrated by whoever his will designates."
The market for any posthumous Salinger writings would likely be highly lucrative.
Letters he wrote to his young lover Joyce Maynard, with whom he started a year-long relationship in 1972, sold for more than 150,000 dollars at auction in 1999.
In Hollywood, there is particularly intense interest in making a film of "Catcher," a novel that sold more than 60 million copies worldwide and entered American pop culture, being referenced in everything from movies to songs and other books.
Reading the book "used to be an essential rite of passage, almost as important as getting your learner's permit," The New York Times said Thursday. "The novel's allure persists to this day."
The New Yorker magazine, which published much of Salinger's output, said "The Catcher in the Rye" was the "purest extract" of the sense of disappointment for Americans who'd grown up in the 1950s. The main character, Holden Caulfield, "is their sorrow king."
Even John Lennon's 1980 murderer, Mark Chapman, homed in on "Catcher" after his crime, saying it "holds many answers."
Repeated attempts have been made to film the novel and portray Caulfield, reportedly including by the BBC and movie moguls Steven Spielberg and Harvey Weinstein. But each time they were rebuffed by Salinger.
His antipathy to film adaptations is said to have been triggered by Hollywood's treatment of his short story "Uncle Wiggly in Connecticut."
What will happen now remains unclear. Reports, including from the Internet Movie Data Base (IMDB), say he had blocked adaptations until after his death.
Jerome David Salinger was born on New Year's Day 1919 in Manhattan, New York, the son of an Irish mother and Jewish father with Polish roots.
As a teenager he began writing stories. In 1940, his debut story "The Young Ones" about several aimless youths was published in "Story" magazine.
Then came America's entry into World War II, and the young Salinger was drafted in 1942. He took part in the D-Day stormings of the Normandy beaches, and his wartime experiences are said to have marked him for life.
He married a German woman after the war, but the marriage fell apart after just a few months, and Salinger renewed his writings with a passion.
In 1948 he published the short story "A Perfect Day for Bananafish" in the New Yorker, bringing him acclaim and introducing the Glass family and its seven rambunctious children Seymour Buddy, Boo Boo, Walt, Waker, Zooey, and Franny, who were to populate several of his short stories.
But it was "The Catcher in the Rye," published three years later, that sealed his reputation.
Sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield's adventures and musings as he makes his way home after being kicked out of school touched a raw nerve and have fascinated generations of disaffected youngsters.
The novel was also sharply criticized for its liberal use of swear words and open references to sex, and was banned in some countries.
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
News Search
Top Stories
Bernanke wins new term as Fed chief
Reclusive US novelist J.D. Salinger dies at 91
Clinton makes Haiti plea to big business
US new jobless claims dip
US durable goods orders up 0.3%
More Top Stories »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
Overweight septuagenarians live longer: study
New York woman falls, rips Picasso painting
Clinton makes Haiti plea to big business
Reclusive US novelist J.D. Salinger dies at 91
US new jobless claims dip
More Most Viewed »
Woman who saved Anne Frank's diary dead at 100
Scientists praise Obama as Doomsday clock reset
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Friday, 29 January 2010 Cameron: Afghan w/d only after basic security met
Motorola forecasts loss; shares plunge
US new jobless claims dip
US durable goods orders up 0.3%
France's Villepin acquitted in Sarkozy smear trial
Iran hangs two in wake of election unrest
|
Key infrastructure often cyberattack target: survey
Startpage launches anonymous Web search service
Obama backs Israel, also sympathetic to Palestinians
|
ICC prosecutor expects Bashir genocide charge
|
Motorola forecasts loss; shares plunge
Sister: Drew Peterson's 4th wife feared for life
Obama speech fails to break health care logjam
Dad: Stepmom suspected Neb. teen was abused
Navy sued to halt training near endangered whales
Father: Man who set self on fire mentally ill
Obama starts Fla. trip with stop at Air Force base
Bangladesh executes killers of leader Mujib
Police: SC man used hostage hoax to rob bank
China says it wants to cooperate with US
Nokia, Motorola win smartphone share; outlook weighs
|
Alito disparages Obama's Supreme Court criticism
Philippine government meets rebels in Malaysia
Pelosi: Health bill must pass regardless of time
Terror suspects in Malaysia from Mideast, Africa: activists
Defendant testifies he killed Kan. abortion doctor
Myanmar's Suu Kyi rejects minister's release comment: lawyer
US troops shoot and kill Afghan cleric near Kabul
Sri Lankan president hails election victory
NATO troops kill Afghan cleric, officials say
China demands EU lift arms embargo
Military plane crash kills 9 in the Philippines
China city denies renaming mountain after "Avatar"
G20 leader Lee says time for 'post-crisis agenda'
Nintendo says price cut, new games lift Wii sales
Ford halts some China production after Toyota's woes
Philippines says economy rebounding after 11-year low
Ford halts some China vehicle production
Aggressive tightening unlikely in S.Korea-adviser
Beyonce? Taylor? Lady Gaga? The AP's Grammy Picks
Toyota recalls show price of too rapid growth
Japan OKs second extra budget to spur weak economy
Noted African-American art collector dies in Ga.
Pakistan's forex reserves fall to $15.10 bln
Comcast, NBC promise to keep news, free TV
Comcast, NBC promise to keep news, free TV
|
Metallica posts condolences on Va. fan found dead
Kristen Bell's rising career takes her to Rome
|
Grammy nod adds leverage to Melanie Fiona's career
Cheryl Cole to support Black Eyed Peas on UK tour
|
A Minute With: Joseph Gordon-Levitt at Sundance
|
Taiwan to ban junk food ads on children's TV
Obama Holds Town Hall Meeting In Tampa
Visionary Chekhov lives on in modern Russia
German beer sales at 20-year low: statistics
Inmate Faces Felony Charges In "Armed" Assault
China's "Confucius" struggles against "Avatar"
Creator of hit iMussolini iPhone app sets sights on iPad
Miami Man Promises Gum Enhances Sexual Performance
NASA Confirms Endeavor Shuttle Launch Next Month
Anti-Illegal Immigration Advocates Support "Racist" Councilman
Economic Pain Of Americans Hurting Democrats Politically
Hate Crime Has Ohio College On High Alert
In Reversal, Bloomberg Questions Holding 9/11 Terror Trial In Big Apple
India adds record 19 million mobile users in December
West backs fund for Taliban as UN meets Afghan militants
Former French PM acquitted in Sarkozy smear trial
Karzai government invites Taliban to peace meeting
|
Cyber spies and thugs attacking power-water plants
Bernanke wins new term as Fed chief
North Korea fires more artillery towards South
|
Evictions amid winter freeze spark outrage in Russia
Critics, fans weigh in on Apple's iPad
Tony Blair braced for grilling over Iraq war
Reclusive US novelist J.D. Salinger dies at 91
Author J.D. Salinger Dies At 91
Clinton makes Haiti plea to big business
Gunmen holed-up in building in southern Afghanistan
|
Iran hangs 2 for allegedly aiming to topple state
Kindle helps Amazon book strong fourth quarter
Mobs disrupt some Haiti quake food handouts
|
US: Key al-Qaida leader killed in Iraq
US-TECH Summary
Israel kills top Hamas commander in Dubai: Hamas
|
Ke$ha, Taylor Swift Top Billboard Hot 100 Chart
Oracle claims firm stole its intellectual property
Hamas says killed Israeli civilians by mistake
Top US lawmakers demand hacker probe
Human rights group: Hamas targeted civilians
Painful Wii price cut keeps Nintendo in the game
"Hope For Haiti Now" Album Debuts At #1 On Billboard
China still leery on U.S. sanctions push for Iran
|
Chinese Woman To Undergo Plastic Surgery To Look Like Jessica Alba
Microsoft net profit soars to 6.66 billion dollars
AT&T profit rises 26 percent, plans more spending
Nokia tops earnings forecasts
Nokia tops earnings forecasts
Nepal VP to be reinstated after language fight
North Korea fires more artillery toward South
13 countries craft plan to save tigers
Google row threatens China web development: analysts
Vietnam crackdown continues as dissident on trial
Pilot considered the only ace Tuskegee Airman dies
Senate votes to impose even more sanctions on Iran
Global Weather-Celsius
Medical marijuana lab says it was raided by DEA
Oracle claims firm stole its intellectual property
|
SKorea leader says he's ready to meet NKorea's Kim
Factories may close to clear air for Shanghai Expo
Bill renews Calif. ban on felons owning body armor
New China-Tibet talks prompt speculation on shift
Update: Obama Announces $8 Billion for High-Speed Trains
Parole recommended for Manson family member Davis
North Korea fires more artillery towards South
Update: Obama, Biden Announce $8 Billion Grants For High-Speed Rail Projects
Senate Votes Clears Way For Bernanke To Stay At Fed
Recluse Author J.D. Salinger Dead At 91
Nominee to lead National Guard withdraws his name
U.S. embraces Copenhagen pact, Senators rework bill
Jogging Barefoot More Beneficial To Runners
Ex-NV deputy denies taking bribes in Francis case
Japan urges Toyota to secure consumer confidence
Samsung jumps back to profit in 4th quarter
Japan output rises but deflation threatens recovery
PAKISTAN
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Avatar poised for seventh box office win
|
Samsung Electronics profit tops $8 billion
Gay groups urge Grammys to denounce Buju Banton
Reclusive author J.D. Salinger dies at 91
|
Attractive cast wasted in Rome
|
Ugly Betty cast may not be jobless for long
|
S.Korean bonds rebound; economic data in focus
Music world celebrates its big event of the year
Caligula director to make 3D porn film
|
Japan consumer prices down 1.3 pct in December on year
Is calling E.T. a smart move?
Sundance: More retreads than recharging
|
John Travolta a blast in routine thriller Paris
|
Seoul shares down; Samsung Elec falls, KDHC jumps
Sly & Family Stone founder alleges royalties fraud
Google attack highlights 'zero-day' black market
Horror film Buried an excruciating experience
|
Bad-boy drama Hesher picked up at Sundance
|
Oscar-winner shines light on corrupt US politics
Jay Leno says bad guy image unfair in Conan struggle
|
The mystery grows: What's in Salinger's safe?
About 48 million watch Obama's State of the Union
Sly Stone sues ex-manager for $50 million
Good ol' boys talk of life, love, a lunar eclipse
Eurozone unemployment rate hits 10%
Russia unveils top secret new fighter
Dialogue on stalled Iran atom deal goes on
UK's Blair voices defiance over Iraq war
|
Oklahoma, Texas Under Blanket Of Sleet And Snow
Officer Charged With Falsely Ticketing Minorities
Blair gives evidence to Iraq war inquiry
Palestinians irate over new Jerusalem tram
Nigerian leader not obliged to transfer power: court
|
Police: Teen Killed In Canal Crash Under Influence Of Marijuana
U.S.-Led Coalition Forces In Afghanistan Apologize For Killing Muslim Cleric
No deal yet on Northern Ireland devolution talks
|
Mobs disrupt some Haiti quake food handouts
|
Iran, IAEA say nuclear proposal still on table
|
New Russian stealth fighter makes first flight
|
Sri Lanka police raid losing candidate's office
|
Myanmar's Suu Kyi criticizes release date remarks
Microsoft profit beats on strong Windows 7 sales
|
Housing complex in China 'open to foreigners only'
Vietnam jails writer for 4 years for 'propaganda'
Hong Kong apartment building collapses, 1 killed
Amazon blows by estimates, sees strong first quarter
|
Phoenix-area policeman killed at traffic stop
Obama pushes for job creation and bipartisanship
Australia: Man vs. marauding crocodile over shark
US soldier dies in Iraq; death not combat related
AP Interview: Saakashvili offers US a supply route
Samsung Elec bullish on TV, chip demand
|
Malaysia charges three over church attack
Obama retools tax credit idea for creating jobs
Indonesian police arrest suspected terrorist
Lawyer: Phone scheme meant to embarrass senator
N.Korea fires artillery near border for third day
Tag sale at NYC's Tavern on the Green restaurant
Down but not out, Sri Lanka's Fonseka to run again
Afghan troops battle Taliban militants in south
Colo. bar shooting suspect ordered to stand trial
General Motors gets $409M of loans in Thailand
Japan's Fujitsu says it made first 'iPad'
Taiwan dollar ends firmer, helped by local stocks
India's central bank hikes reserve requirements
Japan's ANA in the red amid recession
Mizuho earnings improve on economic recovery
Toyota races to fix accelerator glitch
All Nippon Airways posts $391M loss in April-Dec
UBS Taiwan sees client assets up 20-30 pct this yr
South Korea Dec output jumps but seen moderating
Indonesian-made rocket hits farm in test launch
"Little Fockers" release date shifts to December
'Ava-toad': 3D Aussie cane toads take Sundance by storm
Sundance: More retreads than recharging
"Avatar" poised for seventh box office win
"Caligula" director to make 3D porn film
Bad-boy drama "Hesher" picked up at Sundance
John Travolta a blast in routine thriller "Paris"
Attractive cast wasted in "Rome"
Horror film "Buried" an excruciating experience
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights