Books

London: Arthur Barker Ltd, 1934. First U.K. Edition. Hammett's fifth and final novel, a commercial success upon publication, selling more than 30,000 copies within a few months of its release on 8 January, 1934. The UK edition followed Knopf's four months later, with portions of the text revised by Hammett, and like all UK editions of Hammett books, it is considerably scarcer than its American counterpart. Basis for W.S. Van Dyke's film of the same name released later the same year, and spawning a successful series of subsequent films through 1947. Uncommon in dustjacket, with the last collectible example offered at the Rechler sale (Christies, 2002). Layman A6.3; Hubin, p.185. First Impression. Octavo (19.5cm); orange cloth, with titling and pictorial elements stamped in black on spine and front cover; dustjacket; [6],7-284,[4]pp. Pictorial bookplate and private library stamp of Italian bibliophile Giuseppe Orlando, with his holograph signature and date of acquisition (Feb.1935) at…

The Thin Man is a detective novel by Dashiell Hammett, originally published in the December 1933 issue of Redbook. It is the last novel Hammett completed and features the characters Nick and Nora Charles, who would later become widely recognized through the series of films made from the book.

One way to determine if a copy of 'The Thin Man' is a first edition is to look for the publisher's name, Alfred A. Knopf, along with the date 1934 with no additional printings listed on the copyright page. First editions may also feature specific cover designs or dust jackets that were unique to that initial printing.