J.D. Salinger, the reclusive writer who wrote "Catcher in the Rye" has died at the age 91 in his hometown in Cornish, New Hampshire.

In a statement from the author's literary representative, the scribe's son says Salinger passed away of natural causes at his home.

The famous coming-of-age tale "The Catcher in the Rye" centered on Holden Caulfield. The book eventually became famous as scores of young readers identified with its themes of alienation and rebellion.

The 1951 book has been translated into practically all of the world's major languages with 250,000 copies sold each year, says The Washington Post. Total sales are more than sixty-five million.

He also wrote "Nine Stories" and "Franny and Zooey."

Isolated for decades, the author lived in a small home in Cornish, N.H.

By the author's later years, he become infamous for not wanting to be famous, refusing many interviews.