Salinger, J. D.

8vo (7 7/8 x 5 1/4 in.; 200 x 133 mm). Small light stain on front free endpaper, not affecting inscription. Publisher's black boards, spine gilt-lettered. Original pictorial dust-jacket; minimal wear.

Condition as described in catalogue.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Presentation copy, inscribed by Salinger to Joyce Miller's niece Mary Miller, on the front free endpaper, "Dear Mary, My very dear and inveterate friend and comrade, your loving Aunt Joyce, gamest and fairest of passengers who used to cruise in post-war Buicks through White Plains on hot summer nights, tells me you're a marvelous girl, and I want you to know that I most ardently join with her in wishing you, first, a happy graduation day, and secondly, a gorgeously peaceful, blissful, useful life, on whatever terms suit you down to the ground. Most sincerely, J. D. Salinger. Cornish, N. H., June 13, 1976."

In a letter dated 7 June 1976 to Joyce Miller, Salinger agreed to inscribe a copy of his novel to her niece (see previous lot).  Salinger first typed out his proposed inscription and sent it to Joyce for suggestions.  She changed Salinger's "a gorgeously happy useful, blissful life" to "a gorgeously peaceful, blissful, useful life." In the phrase "whatever grounds suit you," she has changed "grounds" to "terms".  Salinger's typed trial inscription with Miller's corrections is included with the lot.  The copy of the novel is 30th printing.

A rare inscribed copy of The Catcher in the Rye, with a quirky message for a graduating high school senior.