Legendary novelist dies at 91

'Catcher in the Rye' author JD Salinger has passed away...

18:22 29 January 2010

Legendary novelist JD Salinger, who was famed for writing cult classic 'Catcher in the Rye' has died aged 91.

The reclusive author died of natural causes at his home in New Hampshire, his son confirmed.

His 1951 book thrust Salinger into the limelight, after the tale of teenage angst quickly became a bible of teenage angst in America.

However, the author shunned the fame it brought him and became a recluse for the rest of his life.

The son of a Jewish businessman and Scots-Irish mother, Jerome David Salinger was born in New York and grew up in Manhattan.

Author and literary director of the prestigious Booker Prize Ion Trewin said: "It's interesting how one book can really become an institution. It has meant so much to several generations, particularly young people growing up, who can see something they identify with.

"What he will be remembered for is one of the most remarkable books about growing up. I think everybody identifies in some way with it."

The novel, which told the story of the rebellious teenage protagonist Holden Caulfield, was cited by John Lennon's killer (Mark Chapman) as inspiration for his crime.

According to reports, Salinger had a large safe with is thought to contain many of his unpublished works.