There can be few as collectible characters in the whole of modern fiction as J.D. Salinger, author of the monumental book - Catcher in the Rye (1951); true first edition copies of which in fine condition can go for thousands of dollars at auction (more if signed).

What makes Salinger so eminently collectible is partly his importance to American literature, and partly his reclusive (and some would say extreme) lifestyle. Salinger was considered somewhat of a hermit throughout his life and a reclusive figure. His growing fame and popularity was mirrored perfectly by him receding from private life; employing a secretary to counter allcorrespondence, and rarely even emerging from his home. Added to this is the dearth of stories and material that we have from the author, even given his obvious talents.

Salinger rose to prominence at a very young age - his short stories gaining notoriety and making waves even when he was a young man (and about to join the American military, before World War 2). His stories were so hard-hitting in fact, that several were turned away after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, as they were deemed unpublishable at that time of national mourning and outrage.

Instead, of course, we have the legacy of Holden Caulfield - alienated protagonist of Catcher in the Rye, who seemed to sum up the Beat and the pre-70s generational malaise of 'now what's the point?' However, collecting Salinger does not necessarily have to be such an expensive experience. A true first hardcover edition of Catcher in The Rye can be found for under a thousand dollars ($650-850) if you are happy to settle for the slightly later first UK and Canadian editions - or the second print run of the first edition US edition with Little, Brown. If however, you happen to have a copy which is signed by the great man himself then - the price can be expected to go up considerably (tens of thousands of dollars, since Salinger's personal handwriting is so rare!).

Otherwise, consider looking to some of the smaller works of Salinger, such as Nine Stories (1953) or Franny and Zooey (1961) - both of which can be found, in near perfect condition (true first edition hardcovers) for under $750.