The Ocean Full of Bowling Balls
Encyclopedia
"The Ocean Full of Bowling Balls" is an unpublished work by J. D. Salinger
. It is about the death of Kenneth Caulfield, who later became Allie in The Catcher in the Rye
.
, but Salinger withdrew the story before publication. This story is available only in the Princeton library
. Those who wish to read it must check in with two forms of ID with the librarian, and are then supervised while they read the story behind the closed doors of a special reading room. As per the terms of Salinger's donation of the manuscript to Princeton, it cannot be published until 50 years after his death; thus, the earliest it can be published is January 27, 2060. (Princeton Library guide pg. 2 line 5).
According to Jack Sublette in his 1984 annotated bibliography of J.D. Salinger, "Collier's" fiction editor, Knox Burger, stated in 1948 that "Ocean Full of Bowling Balls" "contains the greatest letter home from camp ever composed by man or boy.". The letter referred to is sent from Holden Caufield (later the protagonist of the Catcher in the Rye) to his younger brother in this story, Kenneth.
J. D. Salinger
Jerome David Salinger was an American author, best known for his 1951 novel The Catcher in the Rye, as well as his reclusive nature. His last original published work was in 1965; he gave his last interview in 1980....
. It is about the death of Kenneth Caulfield, who later became Allie in The Catcher in the Rye
The Catcher in the Rye
The Catcher in the Rye is a 1951 novel by J. D. Salinger. Originally published for adults, it has since become popular with adolescent readers for its themes of teenage confusion, angst, alienation, language, and rebellion. It has been translated into almost all of the world's major...
.
History
The story was initially going to appear in Harper's BazaarHarper's Bazaar
Harper’s Bazaar is an American fashion magazine, first published in 1867. Harper’s Bazaar is published by Hearst and, as a magazine, considers itself to be the style resource for “women who are the first to buy the best, from casual to couture.”...
, but Salinger withdrew the story before publication. This story is available only in the Princeton library
Princeton University Library
Princeton University Library is the main library system of Princeton University. With holdings of more than 7 million books, 6 million microforms, and 37,000 linear feet of manuscripts, it is headquartered in the Harvey S...
. Those who wish to read it must check in with two forms of ID with the librarian, and are then supervised while they read the story behind the closed doors of a special reading room. As per the terms of Salinger's donation of the manuscript to Princeton, it cannot be published until 50 years after his death; thus, the earliest it can be published is January 27, 2060. (Princeton Library guide pg. 2 line 5).
According to Jack Sublette in his 1984 annotated bibliography of J.D. Salinger, "Collier's" fiction editor, Knox Burger, stated in 1948 that "Ocean Full of Bowling Balls" "contains the greatest letter home from camp ever composed by man or boy.". The letter referred to is sent from Holden Caufield (later the protagonist of the Catcher in the Rye) to his younger brother in this story, Kenneth.