Books

Knopf, 1939. 1st Edition. Soft cover. Very Good/No Jacket. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1939, 1939. First Edition; advance reading copy of the author's first book. Original printed wrappers; spine faded but intact and not restored; some spotting and wear; near very good. The publisher's promotional front cover copy compares Chandler favorably to Hammett and Cain, which, in retrospect, seems understated. Comes in a custom-made collector's case with leather spine. $9,500.

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.