J. D. Salinger, 1919-2010

As most of the readers of this blog probably know, it has been confirmed that author J. D. Salinger has passed away at 91. He is most famous for his novel, Catcher in the Rye, though also greatly respected for his short story collection, Franny and Zooey.

The New York Times probably offers the best obit as of now, with many tributes surely to follow. Clearly this obit was pre-written and filed, waiting for the day it could be pulled out, updated, and issued. I wonder, though, why the same wasn't ready for Howard Zinn? They are still running a crappy AP obit for him. At least his local paper here, The Boston Globe, is running a better obit for him.

RIP...

**UPDATED 16:56 on 28/1/2010** As ever, the Guardian UK outdoes our own newspapers for a tribute to Salinger (plus various and sundry other links). You can find everything you ever wanted to know about J.D. here. You're welcome!