Chandler, Raymond.

Serie Noire. All Paris: Gallimard, vd. 6 volumes. 8vo (7 x 4 1/2 in; 180 x 118 mm).  Publisher's black and yellow boards, titled in black and yellow in white-bordered black dust-jackets titled in yellow, one volume in publisher's yellow-titled black and white wrappers; a little shelf-wear to paper-covered boards, pages age-toned, jackets slightly faded with minor wear to extremities and one volume with a closed tear, wrappered edition with chip from paper at spine head.

From the Collection of Raymond Chandler

a little shelf-wear to paper-covered boards, pages age-toned, jackets slightly faded with minor wear to extremities and one volume with a closed tear, wrappered edition with chip from paper at spine head.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First French editions of chandler's novels, including one presentation copy

The influential Serie Noire imprint was founded by screenwriter Marcel Duhamel (he adapted a Jim Thompson novel for the French screen), issuing detective fiction in translation from such masters of the genre as Cain, Hammett and Cornell Woolrich as well as lesser known gems by Horace McCoy, Jim Thompson and David Goodis. The Chandler titles first began in 1948 with Le grand sommeil (The Big Sleep), Adieu, ma jolie (Farewell My Lovely), a wrappered La Dame du Lac (The Lady in the Lake ),  then La grande fenetre (The High Window) in 1949, Fais pas ta rosiere (The Little Sister) in 1950 and finally Sur un air navaja (The Long Goodbye) in 1954.

Sur un air de navaja is inscribed by Chandler to his friend and secretary Jean Vounder-Davis (then Fracasse), "A ma distinguee / Jean Fracasse / avec mes compliments / les plus amicalles [sic] / petit peu d'amour / Raymond Chandler / La Jolla March 13, 1957"

The issue of these detective and hard-boiled authors in France elicited serious study, influencing not only authors and critics (Camus in particular was a fan), but of course the film community as well. A rare set of this influential series, particularly so inscribed. Given the fragility of the series, few turn up in acceptable condition and fewer still in presentation copies.