The Maltese Falcon by Hammett, Dashiell - 1934

New York: The Modern Library, 1934 First Modern Library edition. Bound in the publisher's red cloth, lettered in gilt; in the original pictorial dust jacket. An excellent copy; in an unclipped dust jacket with some wear, rubbing and small chips to the spine ends, several small creases and a tear to the upper front panel. The Maltese Falcon is the author's third novel and the only book to feature the fictional private detective Sam Spade. Originally published in five installments in the pulp magazine Black Mask from September 1929 - January 1930, The Maltese Falcon marks a departure from Hammett's protagonist The Continental Op, who starred in his first two novels. Sam Spade is a conglomeration of Hammett's earlier detective figures, defined by his attention to detail, somewhat standoffish demeanor, and ruthless dedication to justice. Interestingly, although he only appeared in this novel and a few of Hammett's short stories, Sam Spade is considered the archetypal hard-boiled detective character and is specifically credited as an inspiration for Raymond Chandler's notable character, Detective Philip Marlowe. The Maltese Falcon is a wonderfully complicated murder mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. It was adapted into the 1941 classic film noir starring Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade. A Haycraft-Queen Cornerstone. . Hard Cover. Very Good/Dust Jacket Included.