Yes, but a self-obsessed jerk who created truly great work. I will forgive nearly every personal flaw in the face of great work.

Also, thanks for reminding me. I haven't been doing much truly great work lately...it's time to step it up a notch. I sure aint gonna be winning any politeness contests, so the body of work is what matters.

Alternately, he was a recluse with a morbid aversion to publicity. Those who knew Salinger said (after his death) that he was a very likable person. Certainly they respected him enough to shield his personal life from Salinger-hunters.