Catcher in the rye plagiarism case

By: Rachel Garcia, Chris Lauture, Josh Maulino, Scott Vo

Catcher in the Rye Plagiarism Case

Who?

The Catcher in the Rye plagiarism case involved two authors, JD Salinger and Fredrik Colting. Colting went by the pseudonym John David California.

What?

Fredrik Colting was accused of plagiarizing JD Salinger’s book The Catcher in the Rye into his “own” work of 60 Years Later: Coming Through the Rye. Colting had an almost identical plot and used the same words and events that occurred in Salinger’s book. When Colting first published his book, Salinger immediately took notice and action. Publication of Colting’s book was then banned. This lasted through 2010 until an agreement was finally reached.

When?

The first publication and trial of the plagiarism case lasted from 2009-2011. During this time Salinger had passed away. The court ruling of blocking publication of 60 Years Later: Coming Through the Rye took place 6 months before Salinger’s passing.

How?

Fredrik Colting first published 60 Years Later: Coming Through the Rye while using the pseudonym John David California. Colting did this without the approval or knowing of Salinger.

Where?

60 Years Later: Coming Through the Rye was first published in the United Kingdom. The trial took place in the United States.

Agreement & Restrictions

An agreement was finally reached, but it included many restrictions that Colting was forced to follow. 60 Years Later: Coming Through the Rye was prohibited to be published in the US or Canada, but could be published else where. Colting was not allowed to dedicate the book to Salinger and he had to change the name of the book. Colting and his lawyers were very pleased with the outcome and had great hopes for the future.

Conclusion

This is an example of plagiarism because Colting took Salinger’s work and used it as his own without the acknowledgment of Salinger. He did not change it enough or bring in a number of new ideas for it to be looked at as a whole other book.