Description:

J. D. Salinger
Windsor, VT, May 27, 1961
J.D. Salinger TLS to Publishers about "Franny and Zooey": "I honestly don't enjoy butting in"
TLS

A typed letter signed by American writer J.D. Salinger to publishers on "Franny and Zooey". 1p, measuring 8.5" x 11", Windsor, Vermont, dated May 27, 1961. Signed at the conclusion "J.D. Salinger" and addressed to Miss Rackliffe. Typed on watermarked lightweight paper. With expected mail folds and small staple holes at the upper left corner. There is a blue pencil checkmark through the end of Salinger's bold signature. Very fine. Portions of the letter have been electronically redacted to protect the privacy of the author and the letter's recipient. The letter itself has no redaction and is legible in full.

Salinger wrote this letter just a month before "Franny and Zooey" was published and had recently received corrected proofs from his publisher. In it, he attempts to convince Little-Brown that the most authentic running heads for "Franny" and "Zooey" would be with the individual titles, rather than the full "Franny and Zooey." The two stories, initially released in 1955 and 1957 in the "New Yorker", were about the youngest members of the Glass family. However, in 1961, the publishing company wished to merge the two into a single book. Through the entirety of the publication process, Salinger fought to keep creative control but ultimately had to put his faith in Little-Brown.

Salinger's novel about the tribulations of siblings Franny and Zooey Glass delighted readers, and it remained on the New York Times Fiction Best Sellers' List for 26 weeks in 1961-1962. Salinger was notoriously demanding--even obsessive--about publishing specifications, which is evident in this letter. A New York employee of Little, Brown and Company once recalled that Salinger reviewed over 25 samples of white before selecting the exact shade he wanted for the "Franny & Zooey" front cover!

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: TLS

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