Catch-22

Catch-22, a 1961 book by Joseph Heller about World War II, is unquestionably a classic. The protagonist of the book is Captain John Yossarian, a bombardier in the US Air Force who despises dying. However, there is no evading service, alluding to the draft that was used in historical conflicts.

Because of how well-liked and praised Catch-22 was by the younger generation in 1961 and thereafter, it became such a contentious novel. The book's ideas and message converged with anti-war feelings when the Vietnam War broke out. On the other hand, the book's flippant treatment of the subject of war infuriated some readers.

The book has received more positive reviews over time compared to when it first came out in the early 1960s, yet it has also drawn criticism. Even while Catch-22 hasn't faced nearly as many obstacles as some of the other works that were continuously under attack, it has nonetheless engaged in some well-known battles. The book was removed from libraries in Strongsville, Ohio, in 1972 due to its foul language. Students and professors engaged in a full-fledged legal conflict over this. In 1974, more attempts to outlaw the book due to its derogatory depictions of women were made in Snoqualmie, Washington, and Dallas, Texas.

Author: Joseph Heller
Cover artist: Paul Bacon
Country: United States
Language: English
Genre: Dark comedy, absurdist fiction, satire, war fiction, historical fiction
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: November 10, 1961