Dashiell Hammett Books

In a few years of remarkable creativity, Dashiell Hammett revolutionized the American crime novel. Raymond Chandler noted that Hammett returned murder to those who commit it for reasons, portraying them authentically and in their own language. Starting as a prolific writer for 1920s pulp magazines, he established a gritty, realistic crime fiction that became integral to American literature. The five novels published between 1929 and 1934, now collected in a single volume, created archetypal characters and set the tone for hardboiled writing. Drawing from his experiences as a Pinkerton detective, Hammett infused his works with a harsh realism and a spirit of adventure. His concise prose garnered admiration from contemporaries like Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, and William Faulkner. Each novel presents a unique mood and structure. "Red Harvest" captures the violence and chaos of political corruption in a mining town, featuring the Continental Op who manipulates rival factions. "The Dain Curse" involves a more melodramatic plot of jewel theft and a mysterious cult. "The Maltese Falcon" showcases the iconic Sam Spade in a tightly woven quest story filled with eccentric characters and a sense of disillusionment. "The Glass Key" delves into the treacherous world of city politics, while "The Thin Man" offers a comedic take on the mystery genre, introducing the beloved characters Nick and Nora Charles, who became cinematic icons.

This edition features the Continental Op's most thrilling adventures, showcasing the gritty and suspenseful storytelling of Dashiell Hammett. Newly restored, these crime stories capture the essence of early detective fiction as they originally appeared in "Black Mask," highlighting the clever plots and complex characters that define Hammett's work. Fans of classic noir will appreciate the authenticity and charm of these iconic tales.

Three novels involving private detectives and shady characters tackle homicide, treachery, and corruption. In the Maltese falcon, after the death of his partner, San Francisco private eye, Sam Spade is dragged into a quest for a priceless statuette. In the Thin man, Nick Charles searches for a wealthy inventor who is the prime suspect in a New York City murder case. In the Red harvest, when Continental Op arrives in the western town of Personville and finds that his client has been murdered, he decides to investigate local gangland activities

'An acknowledged literary landmark' Robert Graves

Contains five novels: Red Harvest, The Dain Curse, The Maltese Falcon, The Glass Key and The Thin Man

The book showcases Hammett's groundbreaking hard-boiled writing style, which has influenced countless authors. Known for its gritty realism and sharp dialogue, the narrative delivers a powerful impact that resonates with readers. This original work stands out in the genre, capturing the essence of crime and moral ambiguity in a way that continues to inspire and captivate.

Set in the early 20th century, this story showcases Dashiell Hammett's pioneering style in hardboiled detective fiction. Originally published in 1923, it exemplifies the gritty realism and complex characters that define the genre. As one of Hammett's early works, it reflects the evolution of mystery writing, making it a significant piece for both collectors and new readers. This edition aims to preserve the original text and artwork, offering an accessible glimpse into the roots of modern detective stories.

'When I opened my eyes and sat up in bed Nora was shaking me and a man with a gun in his hand was standing in the bedroom doorway.'Ex-detective Nick Charles attracts trouble like a magnet. He thinks his sleuthing days are over, but when Julia Wolf, a former acquaintance, is found dead, her body riddled with bullets, Nick - along with his glamorous wife, Nora - can't resist making a few enquiries. Clyde Miller Wynant, Julia's lover and boss, has disappeared. Everyone is after him, but Nick is not convinced Wynant is the murderer - and when he finds a junked-up hoodlum with a careless attitude to guns in his bedroom, it's only the beginning of his troubles.

When the last honest citizen of Poisonville was murdered, the Continental Op stayed on to punish the guilty--even if that meant taking on an entire town. Red Harvest is more than a superb crime novel: it is a classic exploration of corruption and violence in the American grain.

Ten classic suspense stories from the 1920s and 1930s by Dashiell Hammett, selected and introduced by Lillian Hellman.