by Pete Kennedy – Pete@HighVelocityCommunications.com
It was announced Thursday that one of America’s all-time great authors, J.D. Salinger, had died.
Salinger became famous after publishing “The Catcher in the Rye.” He then spent the rest of his life in seclusion, apparently trying to not be famous.
He apparently didn’t stop writing. Salinger allegedly told a neighbor that he had written some 15 unpublished books—and that was back in 1999. With J.D. gone, it will be interesting to see if someone gets their hands on the manuscripts, and eventually publishes them.
At first glance this seems offensive. If Salinger wanted the books published, he would have done so himself. Yet Salinger might not have wanted them published to avoid another bout with fame—or some other reason most of us could never figure out.
Part of me thinks those who might come across, and ultimately own the rights to, the works should let J.D. rest in peace. Why tarnish the writer’s reputation with works he declined to publish?
On the other hand, what if one of the all-time greats has 15 more classics stowed away? Wouldn’t you want to read them?
