Books

Knopf. New York, Knopf, 1939. First Edition. First Impression. Hardback. A near fine book in a restored jacket. This book is a consignment sale, as we don't sell restored books as a rule. The jacket appears to be in fine condition but has had significant restoration work to a tear along the front and at the lower spine tip. It presents very well indeed and is offered with a nice clamshell box and the previous seller's card and receipt from 1969. A nice copy. Some bumping to the spine tips, and a little offsetting. [9483, Hyraxia Books]. . Near Fine. Hardcover. 1st Edition. 1939.

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.