Dashiell Hammett Books

In a few years of extraordinary creative energy, Dashiell Hammett invented the modern American crime novel. In the words of Raymond Chandler, ldquoHammett gave murder back to the kind of people that commit it for reasons, not just to provide a corpse. . . . He put these people down on paper as they were, and he made them talk and think in the language they customarily used for these purposes.rdquo Beginning as a prolific contributor to the pulp magazines of the 1920s, he succeeded during his brief career in making his kind of crime fiction a crucial part of the fabric of American writing: a genre that did not evade reality but rather embodied the grittiness and harshness of modern urban life.The five novels that Hammett published between 1929 and 1934, collected here in one Library of America volume, have become part of modern American culture, creating archetypal characters and establishing the ground rules and characteristic tone for a whole tradition of hardboiled writing. Drawing on his own experiences as a Pinkerton detective, Hammett gave a harshly realistic edge to novels that were at the same time infused with a spirit of romantic adventure. His lean and deliberately simplified prose won admiration from such contemporaries as Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, and William Faulkner.Each novel is distinct in mood and structure. Red Harvest (1929) epitomizes the violence and momentum of his Black Mask stories about the anonymous detective the Continental Op. In this raucous and nightmarish evocation of political corruption and gang warfare in a western mining town (modeled on Butte, Montana) nicknamed ldquoPoisonville,rdquo the Op takes Machiavellian pleasure in pitting one faction against another to bring about their mutual destruction. The Op returns in The Dain Curse (1929) to preside over a more ornately melodramatic tale involving jewel theft, drugs, and a mysterious religious cult.With The Maltese Falcon (1930) and its protagonist Sam Spade, Hammett achieved his most enduring popular success. A tightly constructed quest story with an unforgettable cast of eccentric adventurers, it is at the same time shot through with a sense of disillusionment and the arbitrariness of personal destiny.The Glass Key (1931), an exploration of city politics at their most scurrilous, traces intricate patterns of loyalty and betrayal in scenes charged with drama. His last novel, The Thin Man (1934), is a ruefully comic tale distinct from the rest of his work. Paying homage to the traditional mystery form, it is best remembered for its protagonists Nick and Nora Charles, the sophisticated inebriates who would enjoy a long afterlife in the movies

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.

This omnibus edition includes four linked stories - 'The House in Turk Street', 'The Girl with the Silver Eyes', 'The Big Knockover' and '$106,000 Blood Money - featuring the Continental Op, Hammett's anonymous tough-guy detective.

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 collection of letters reveals the multifaceted life of the famed writer, showcasing his dry fatalism and the balance between his literary persona and personal struggles. Readers gain insight into his roles as a devoted father, intellectual, and romantic, while also grappling with his flaws, including alcoholism. The letters echo Hammett's distinctive voice, rich with wry observations and reflections on his experiences, making it a compelling exploration of his character and a unique slice of American literary history.

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.

Private detective Sam Spade is hired by Miss Wonderly to track down her sister, who has eloped with a louse called Floyd Thursby. However, Miss Wonderly is in fact the beautiful and treacherous Brigid O'Shaughnessy; and her real goal is the Maltese falcon, reputed to contain priceless jewels. Things take a turn for the worse, when Spade's partner is shot while on Thursby's trail, and Spade finds himself both hunter and hunted.

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.