Books

"The Big Sleep", by Raymond Chandler. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1939. First edition. Octavo (7.375 x 5 inches; 188 x 127 mm.). [viii], 277, [1, note on the type], [2, blank] pages. Publisher's brownish orange smooth V-cloth, spine and front board stamped and lettered in dark grayish blue, publisher's device stamped in dark grayish blue on rear board; top edge stained dark blue, others trimmed; in restored original dust jacket. Very gentle spine lean; backstrip faintly dulled; spine ends and corners lightly worn, crown just starting to fray; light rubbing to front joint. Endpapers faintly discolored from binding glue. Dust jacket restored with most substantial work performed on the base of the spine, where the publisher's name and device have been replaced in manuscript; crown and edges renewed, few closed tears repaired; verso lined. Spine panel just a shade dulled; rear panel with an even layer of faint soiling. A near fine copy in an expertly restored jacket with a nice overall appearance. From the KoKo Collection. The author's first novel and the introduction of Philip Marlowe. Basis for the 1946 Howard Hawks noir staple starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall with a screenplay co-written by William Faulkner.

The Big Sleep is a hardboiled crime novel by Raymond Chandler, the first in his acclaimed series about detective Philip Marlowe. The story is set in Los Angeles and follows Marlowe as he investigates a complex case involving blackmail, mystery, and murder, which begins with a wealthy general who is being blackmailed and needs Marlowe's help.