Tag Archives: American Literature

Podcasts

J. D. Salinger and The Catcher in the Rye (Part One)

April 18, 2025 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

J. D. Salinger, photo used on book jacket, The Catcher in the Rye

Original book jacket cover, The Catcher in the Rye

Cornish-Windsor Bridge, near Salinger’s home

The Catcher in the Rye, paperback book edition cover, designed by Salinger

J.D. Salinger: The Reclusive Genius Behind “The Catcher in the Rye”

Discover the untold story of J.D. Salinger, the enigmatic author who captivated a generation with “The Catcher in the Rye.” This bite-sized biography delves into Salinger’s early life, his traumatic experiences in World War II, and the creative process behind his iconic novel. Learn how Salinger’s masterpiece transformed American literature and why he retreated from the public eye at the height of his fame.

From his privileged Manhattan upbringing to his struggles with PTSD, uncover the fascinating journey of a literary legend. This episode reveals Salinger’s complex relationships, his battles with publishers, and the lasting impact of his work.

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Podcast Book and Music Information and Purchase

J. D. Salinger and the Catcher in the Rye

April 17, 2025 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

The books used in the production of this podcast included:

“Salinger,” by Shane Salerno, and

“J. D. Salinger: A Life” by Kenneth Slawenski.

The music used in the podcast included:

For the Part One Intro and Part Two Outro: “Candy Apple Town,” by National Sweetheart

For the Part Two Intro and Part One Outro: “Chase Waves,” by Karneef

Podcasts

Herman Melville (Volume 2, Episode 9, Part 2)

September 25, 2017 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

Herman Melville: From Obscurity to Immortality

Over forty, Melville need not be concerned with actually having to fight for the Union but in 1863, he and his wife decided to move back to New York City, exchanging Arrowhead, which he was unable to sell, for his brother Allan’s East 26^thStreet home.

Herman Melville, Last Photograph, Mid-1880’s

Throughout this time period, Melville continued to toil away at his custom’s officer’s job. When he began working at the Customs House in 1866 he took a horse drawn streetcar to work. By the 1880’s, so much time had passed that Melville took the Third Avenue El, an elevated railway, to his office on the Upper East Side.

Melville would remain in this position until his resignation on December 31, 1885. By that time, his wife had inherited a considerable amount of money from an aunt and other relatives, enough to allow Herman to retire.