J. D. Salinger Dies

Perhaps the most reluctant celebrity in the history of American letters, J.D. Salinger leaves behind some of its most-read stories.

Mr. Salinger, who died Wednesday at age 91, leaves behind one fully realized novel ("The Catcher in the Rye") and five collections of shorter writings, all surrounded by a penumbra of unknowns about the author, who went into seclusion in 1953.

Yet Mr. Salinger's books have remained highly visible, iconic presences in American classrooms and have sold more than 65 million copies, including translations around the world. "The Catcher in the Rye" is often cited in lists of the best 20th- century novels.

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