Bob Giroux

It’s the birthday of Robert Giroux — yes, as in Farrar, Strauss, Giroux — who was born on this day in 1914. As an editor first at Harcourt Brace, that at FSG, he published many of the greatest writers of mid-twentieth century literature, such as T. S. Eliot, Jack Kerouac, Carl Sandburg, and Susan Sontag.

In addition, he almost published J.D. Salinger‘s first book, The Catcher in the Rye. In fact, he had an agreement with Salinger to do so. But, as he explains in this Paris Review interview, after he showed his boss at Harcourt Brace the manuscript, he didn’t get a reply for a long time.

GIROUX

… No reply for much too long, maybe two weeks. I finally went to see him. I said, “Gene, I’ve told you the story of Salinger visiting this office, and the fact that I shook hands with him. We have a gentleman’s contract at this point.”
He said, “Bob, I’m worried about that manuscript.” I said, “What are you worried about?” He said, “I think the guy’s crazy.”

INTERVIEWER

Talking about the kid, Holden Caulfield, or Salinger?

GIROUX

Holden Caulfield. Gene said, “The kid is disturbed.” I said, “Well, that’s all right. He is, but it’s a great novel.” He said, “Well, I felt that I had to show it to the textbook department.” “The textbook department?” He said, “Well, it’s about a kid in prep school isn’t it? I’m waiting for their reply.” I said,”It doesn’t matter what their reply is, Gene. We have a contract for the book.” I felt like saying, “You son of a bitch, this is the greatest insult to me that could ever be.” The textbook people’s report came back, and it said, “This book is not for us, try Random House.”
So I went to Mr. Brace. I gave him the whole story. I said, “I feel that I have to resign from the firm.” I hadn’t got in touch with Salinger because I couldn’t bring myself to talk to him.

INTERVIEWER

Did Brace ever read the book?

GIROUX

He didn’t read the book. Mr. Brace was a wonderful man, but he had hired Reynal and would not overrule him.

INTERVIEWER

Are you kidding?

GIROUX

I’m afraid that’s true. That’s when I decided to leave Harcourt….