Books

New York: Pro-Distributors Publishing Company, 1930. First Edition. Scarce issue of Black Mask containing Hammett's story "The Cyclone Shot," part 2 of his 4-part serial The Glass Key. The issue also contains "Wise Guy" by Frederick Nebel, "Killers' Show" by Raoul Whitfield, and a pseudonymous Jo Gar story - "Red Hemp" - written as Ramon Decolta. Quarto (25cm); pictorial pulp wrappers; 130pp + 14pp ads; illus. Edges worn, with numerous short tears to overhang; faint circular stain to lower front wrapper; clear tape reinforcement along inner left edge of front cover, with an additional piece along lower rear spine joint; pp.3-4 (an ad leaf) skillfully supplied in facsimile; light tanning to text edges, though pages are still supple; still a presentable issue, but just Very Good.

The Glass Key is a novel by Dashiell Hammett, originally published in 1931. This work is a classic of the hard-boiled detective fiction genre and is noted for its gritty portrayal of corruption and political influence.

First editions of 'The Glass Key' published by Alfred A. Knopf in 1931 typically have the publisher's borzoi dog logo on the copyright page and lack subsequent printings or editions mentioned.