Books

Hardcover. One of 400 copies printed under the direction of Andrew Hoyem, the press proprietor. It was the eleventh publication of the press. This copy is inscribed on the colophon: "To Joe Costello/29 VIII 83/Andrew Hoyem." This is a magnificent book from the Arion Press that more than does justice to this Hammett's novel. The preface describes this book as the apex of his work. The publishers write in a preface that "this edition is a tribute to Hammett's achievement. The design of the book reflect the spirit of the period in which it was written while giving its format an enduring presence. The forty-six illustrations are photographs of San Francisco Bay Area locations named or established by Hammett in the narrative. Most pictures were shot around the time of the actual setting of the story, five days during 1928." There are notes at the end of the book identifying each photo and its reference in the text." A few of the photographs are more recent and were provided by California photographer Edmund Shea. Bound by the Schuberth Bookbindery in gray cloth with a quarter leather black spine with silver titling. On the front and back covers are a striking and stylized image of a falcon done in black leather with silver trim and a red eye. Printed on Byron-Weston Linen Record paper using Bodoni semi-bold and Corvinus medium types. The photo-lithography was by Phelps-Schaefer. Housed in a gray cloth covered slipcase with a black leather spine label with silver titling. In fine condition. Measures 8.25 x 10.25 inches. 291 pages plus photographs. PRI/103124.

"The Maltese Falcon" by Dashiell Hammett is a seminal work in the genre of hard-boiled detective fiction. The novel follows the story of Sam Spade, a private detective in San Francisco, as he gets entangled in a complex web of mystery and intrigue. The plot kicks off when a beautiful woman named Miss Wonderly hires Spade and his partner, Miles Archer, for what seems like a simple surveillance job. However, Archer ends up murdered while tailing a suspect, launching Spade into a dangerous investigation that revolves around a legendary and valuable statuette of a falcon. As Spade delves deeper into the case, he encounters a cast of colorful and dubious characters, including the enigmatic Miss Wonderly (later revealed as Brigid O'Shaughnessy), the effeminate Joel Cairo, and the intimidating Casper Gutman. Each character has their own motives and connections to the elusive falcon, a priceless treasure that many desire. Betrayals, double-crosses, and shifting allegiances heighten the suspense as Spade navigates the treacherous landscape of deceit and greed. His ethical code and sharp wit guide him through the labyrinth of conflicting interests, all while maintaining a detached and stoic demeanor. Throughout the investigation, Spade remains emotionally detached and plays various sides against each other to uncover the truth. He ultimately exposes the layers of deception and reveals the falcon's true identity—a mere decoy. "The Maltese Falcon" is not merely a detective story but a compelling exploration of human nature, duplicity, and the allure of wealth. Hammett's writing style, characterized by terse prose and gritty realism, sets the tone for the hard-boiled detective genre. The novel's intricate plot, morally ambiguous characters, and Spade's unwavering determination make it a timeless classic, revered for its contribution to crime fiction and its enduring influence on subsequent detective novels and films.