Between the Covers

Softcover. The complete story "I'm Crazy" in *Collier's* of December 22, 1945. Folio. A newsstand edition, not obscured by a mailing label, but with a small arrival date stamp near the title. Wrappers lightly rubbed with a touch of waviness at the top and wear at the lower front foredge with a couple of tiny nicks, very good. This issue contains the first print appearance of Salinger's classic literary creation, Holden Caulfield. The story forms the basis for the first two chapters of *The Catcher in the Rye* including a visit with Mr. Spencer. However, here Caulfield is portrayed as a more repentant figure lamenting his expulsion from school and with an additional sister, Viola. Accompanying the story is a half-page illustration of Caulfield, bags packed, fleeing school wearing not his red hunting cap but rather a more typical fedora. Salinger, who was always protective of his work, never allowed this or many other early stories to be reprinted. Due to this policy, his uncollected magazine appearances are always in demand and this issue, with such a direct connection to his classic novel, even more so. The true first appearance of one of the most enduring characters in American literature.

Item #350868