Building on the success of the 1st, this 2nd edition is an indispensable guide for teachers, students, and general readers who want fully to appreciate Salinger’s perennial bestseller. Now 6 decades old, The Catcher in the Rye contains references to people, places, books, movies, and historical events that will puzzle many twenty-first century readers. This edition includes a section on reactions to Salinger’s death in January, 2010.

“Offers the breadth and detail of a gripping, if not nostalgic, documentary about The Catcher and its maker,” writes Professor Emeritus Joel Salzberg.

“For fans and those opening the book for the first time. Highly recommended,” writes The Midwest Book Review.

Bruce Mueller, author of Critical Companion to J. D. Salinger, writes, “Professor Beidler’s indispensable book enhances the reader’s understanding and appreciation of Salinger’s landmark novel.”

ForeWord Digital Reviews writes, “Peter G. Beidler has decoded the cultural information that packs the novel.... A valuable tool for twenty-first century readers.”

Beidler provides some 250 explanations to help readers make sense of the culture through which Holden Caulfield stumbles as he comes of age. He provides a map showing the various stops in Holden’s Manhattan odyssey. Of particular interest to ESL readers is his glossary of more than a hundred terms, phrases, and slang expressions.

In his introductory essay, Beidler discusses such topics as the three-day time line for the novel, how it grew out of two earlier-published short stories, its autobiographical aspects, Holden’s appearance, and the reasons for its enduring appeal.

The many photographs give fascinating glimpses into the world that Holden has made famous. Beidler also provides discussion of some of the issues that have engaged scholars down through the years: the meaning of Holden’s red hunting hat, whether Holden writes his novel in an insane asylum, Mr. Antolini’s troubling actions, and Holden’s close relationship with his sister and his two brothers.

“Salinger’s death over a year ago and the resulting testimonials and press coverage made me realize that my book was out of date,” says Beidler. “My author was suddenly past tense. Other books about Salinger and Holden Caulfield had appeared, and these needed to be mentioned. A second edition also gave me the opportunity to help students and teachers by suggesting topics in each chapter to discuss and write about.”

PETER G. BEIDLER recently retired from Lehigh University as the Lucy G. Moses Distinguished Professor of English. Widely published in both British and American literature, he has won a number of teaching awards. In 1981 he was named National Professor of the Year by the Council on Advancement and Support of Education and the Carnegie Foundation.

A Reader’s Companion is available in Kindle ($6.95) and trade paperback on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Amazon.fr and Amazon Japan. Bookstores and libraries can order through info@coffeetownpress.com and Ingram. Other ebook editions can be purchased on Smashwords, Google ebooks, BN.com and all major ebook retailers.

ABOUT Coffeetown Press—Based in Seattle, Washington, Coffeetown Press has been publishing the finest fiction and nonfiction since 2005.