Books

First edition, first printing, of Hammett's second book and the final Continental Op novel, one of the two hardest to find in the dust jacket and thus genuinely uncommon in such a well-preserved, unrestored state. It is a sensational example of golden age book production. The Dain Curse was originally serialized in four parts in Black Mask from November 1928 to February 1929 but, at the suggestion of Knopf, Hammett revised it for publication as a novel. As a first printing, this copy has the issue point of "dropped in" for "dropped in" in line 19 of page 260. Octavo. Original yellow cloth, spine decoratively stamped and lettered in black and red, black single-line border stamped to front board with skull-and-crossbones ornament in red, rear board stamped with black rectangular Borzoi Books device, top edge purple, fore edge untrimmed. With dust jacket illustrated by F. H. Horvath, with a plot summary of this title on rear panel and blurbs of Red Harvest on the front panel, priced $2.00. Housed in a custom flat-back blue cloth box. Title page printed in brown and black, with skull-and-crossbones vignette in brown. A near-fine copy, with a very slight lean and fade to spine and faint traces of soiling to extremities, in an about near-fine jacket, the spine sunned, extremities worn with some chipping and a few short closed tears, the front panel remaining notably bright. .

"The Dain Curse" by Dashiell Hammett is a thrilling mystery novel that introduces readers to the no-nonsense Continental Op, a private detective tasked with uncovering the truth behind a series of perplexing events connected to the Dain family. The story kicks off with Gabrielle Dain Leggett, who seeks the Op's help after her father, a wealthy art collector, dies under mysterious circumstances. The death appears to be linked to a family curse that has plagued the Dains for generations. As the investigation progresses, the Continental Op delves into a complex and twisted world filled with murder, deceit, and multiple puzzling incidents that seem to defy rational explanation. His inquiry leads him down a path involving a religious cult, opium addiction, and a string of seemingly unrelated deaths, all intricately connected to the enigmatic Dain family. Throughout the novel, the Continental Op encounters a range of colorful characters, each with their own motives and secrets. His relentless pursuit of the truth unveils shocking revelations and unexpected alliances, challenging his wit and resourcefulness at every turn. Amidst the danger and intrigue, the detective navigates a maze of lies and treachery, gradually piecing together the puzzle while facing constant threats to his own safety. As the story reaches its climax, the Continental Op's perseverance and keen investigative skills lead to a gripping confrontation where all the pieces of the intricate mystery fall into place. Hammett masterfully weaves a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, delivering a satisfying resolution that untangles the complex web of deception surrounding the Dain family. "The Dain Curse" stands as a classic example of Dashiell Hammett's skill in crafting gripping mysteries, filled with suspense, vivid characters, and unexpected twists that captivate readers from start to finish.