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London: Hamish Hamilton, Ltd, 1939. First U.K. Edition. Chandler's first and best-known novel, and the debut of Philip Marlowe – perhaps the most imitated character within the mystery genre. "On one level, this is a complex murder mystery with its fair share of clues and corpses. On another level, it is a serious novel concerned (as is much of Chandler's work) with the corrupting influences of money and power. Marlowe is hired by General Sternwood, an old, paralyzed ex-soldier who made a fortune in oil, to find out why a rare-book dealer named Arthur Gwynn Geiger is holding an IOU signed by Sternwood's youngest daughter, the wild and immoral Carmen, and where a blackmailing gambler named Joe Brody fits into the picture" (Pronzini & Muller, p. 122). The American edition of The Big Sleep precedes the UK edition by a month, though the UK edition has always been many times scarcer in commerce. Knopf released a small compliment of proof copies in thick yellow-green wrappers, which…

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.

First editions of 'The Big Sleep' can be recognized by their distinctive dust jacket featuring droplets on a cobwebbed background, published by Alfred A. Knopf in 1939. The absence of a topstain on the book edges and the $2.00 price on the dust jacket flap are also indicative of a true first edition first printing.