Books

A set of four first editions of Hammett's classic hard-boiled detective fiction. Each book lacking the original dust jacket, all housed in a custom slipcase. The Dain Curse Near Fine with minor soiling/discoloration to the cloth, and a previous bookseller's stamp to the front paste-down. Maltese Falcon a bright fresh copy, but with front and rear end papers trimmed about 1.5 inches along the fore-edges (see images). The Glass Key is a Very Good+ copy with some wear to the lower edges of the boards and corners and a previous owner's name written in pen on the front free end paper. The Thin Man also a Near Fine copy in bright, fresh cloth, but with a contemporary owner's name written on the front free end paper. In these four novels, Dashiell Hammett introduced the world to classic figures like Sam Spade of The Maltese Falcon (a character Hammett referred to as a man with "no original"), Nick and Nora Charles of The Thin Man, and the Continental Op of The Dain Curse (and Red Harvest). Hammett, who is now regarded as the master of the "hard-boiled" detective novel, drew on his own experiences working for the notorious Pinkerton Detective Agency to craft his iconic characters. His novels appear mutiple times on the Top 100 Crime Novels of All Time lists of both the Crime Writers Association and the Mystery Writers of America; The Maltese Falcon also appears on the Modern Library's list of the 100 Best English Language Novels of the Twentieth Century. Hammett's contributions to crime fiction have shaped the genre for nearly a century, with Raymond Chandler being perhaps his most prominent successor. Of The Maltese Falcon, Chandler once wrote, "If you can show me twenty books written approximately twenty years back that have as much guts and life now, I ll eat them between slices of Edmund Wilson s head." "Although Hammett neither founded nor originated a new style or school of detective fiction, he was the best writer in the 'hard-boiled' style, and he became master of the school. Raymond Chandler remains the most worthy of his successors" (Roger Stoddard, in The Book Collector, Spring 1962). Near Fine.

"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.