The cover of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye is a simple yet evocative design that perfectly captures the essence of the novel. It features a red carousel horse against a black background, symbolizing the protagonist Holden Caulfield's desire to protect the innocence and purity of childhood. The book explores themes of alienation, identity, and the loss of innocence, and the cover's striking imagery reflects the emotional depth and complexity of the narrative. It has become an iconic image that represents the rebellious spirit and disillusionment of the teenage experience.