- 95
Hammett, Dashiell.
Estimate
35,000 - 50,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- The Maltese Falcon. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1930
8vo, first edition, original grey cloth, spine blocked in black and blue design, upper cover with falcon design in blue, lower cover with Borzoi imprint, pictorial dust-jacket, preserved in specially made quarter yellow morocco folding box, very small piece missing from jacket at base of spine, a few small tears to upper and lower panels, price-clipped
first edition of one of the most influential detective novels of all time, and the touchstone for all subsequent "private eye" fiction.
Dashiell Hammett (1894--1961) effectively invented "hard-boiled" detective fiction, having worked as on operative for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency from 1915 onwards, travelling extensively across America. He was a full-time writer by 1924, and later a screenwriter. A strong anti-fascist in the 1930s his career was prematurely ended when he was blacklisted for refusing to name fellow members of the Communist party during the McCarthy hearings of the early 1950s.
The Maltese Falcon is also the source of the first ever film noir of the same name, John Huston's directorial debut of 1941 starring Humphrey Bogart, Sydney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre.
first edition of one of the most influential detective novels of all time, and the touchstone for all subsequent "private eye" fiction.
Dashiell Hammett (1894--1961) effectively invented "hard-boiled" detective fiction, having worked as on operative for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency from 1915 onwards, travelling extensively across America. He was a full-time writer by 1924, and later a screenwriter. A strong anti-fascist in the 1930s his career was prematurely ended when he was blacklisted for refusing to name fellow members of the Communist party during the McCarthy hearings of the early 1950s.
The Maltese Falcon is also the source of the first ever film noir of the same name, John Huston's directorial debut of 1941 starring Humphrey Bogart, Sydney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre.
Literature
Layman A.1.1.b
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."