catcher in the rye...why no back page blurb?

[bluedolphin]

Why is there no blurb on the back of this book.....I have seen it in many bookstores but it gives no indication of what it is about to the prospective buyer...why is that?

[hal]

It is probably a direct instruction from the author, JD Salinger, who is a notorious recluse who has consistently refused to discuss the book over the 50odd years since its publication. He probably wants to resist summaries that would not do the book justice (in his eyes). The basic story is about Holden Caulfield, a 15 year old New Yorker who is expelled from his third school. He leaves early without his parents being aware and spends a lonely weekend in cheap hotels in New York. Its about his mental health problems, attempts to conect with people, and very sadly about his close relationship with his dead younger brother. Its an excellent novel - if a little gloomy!

[SmoothPebble]

It was a direct instruction from Salinger, after Ace Books (I think) published a version of 'For Esme, With Love and Squalor' in the 50s/60s that made it look like pulp fiction, with a blonde harlot supposed to be Esme. Salinger was apparently so furious he's refused to have pictures/blurb on his books ever since.

[rarll]

Because it is rubbish and putting something on the back would put off prospective buyers

[Snarfyguy]

You're supposed to know what it's about.