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RARE 1934 FIRST MODERN LIBRARY EDITION WITH DUST JACKET The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett. FIRST MODERN LIBRARY EDITION 1934 stated. The book is bound in green balloon cloth type 7 binding with Kent end papers. Book is only in good condition - binding solid and tight but a small gap exists between text block and cloth and fading on top and bottom spine, gilt bright on cover faded on spine, matching green topstain somewhat faded, no writing or marks, contents are clean and bright. The dust jacket is good with loss and age toning on spine. The rest of the all important dust jacket is bright and clean with an amazing graphic on the cover. 95 cent price present and bright on inside flap. 225 titles listed on the back panel indicating a 1934 FIRST MODERN LIBRARY EDITION. Now protected in an archival-quality dust jacket protector. ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER MODERN LIBRARY FIRST EDITIONS. EVEN WITH ITS ISSUES THIS IS A GREAT COPY. **I WILL BE LISTIING OVER 400 COLLECTIBLE, RARE, OR SIGNED MODERN LIBRARY EDITIONS OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS FROM 30 YEARS OF ACTIVE COLLECTING AROUND THE WORLD - PLEASE VISIT MY SELLERS PAGE TO VIEW THEM ALL**.

"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.