Hammett, Dashiell.

8vo (190 x 130mm.), first edition, title printed in orange and black with skull and crossbones vignette in orange, the dedication copy, inscribed by Hammett, beneath the printed dedication, to his editor at Black Mask, Joe Shaw ("who'll have to | share fully in | whatever of | credit or dis- | credit attaches | to this performance. | Dashiell Hammett."), original red cloth, upper cover with central design of skull and crossbones, lower cover with "Borzoi" device, spine with geometrical design lettered in yellow and reverse, red cloth chemise in red morocco-backed slipcase

Layman A1.1.a

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where 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."

Hammett's first book, dedicated and inscribed to his editor Joe Shaw.

First titled simply Poisonville, the four parts of Red Harvest appeared monthly in Black Mask from November 1927 to February 1928. Hammett revised the novel extensively following the suggestions of Alfred Knopf's wife Blanche and the editor Harry Block, and the novel was finally published in February 1929. Although not a commercial success, with only three printings by March 1931, Red Harvest has had a lasting influence on the detective story, introducing readers to the Continental Op, a recurrent character in Hammett's fiction and the archetypal "hardboiled" detective.