Hammett, Dashiell.

8vo (189 x 129mm.), first edition, pre-publication presentation copy inscribed by the author ("To Joseph and Hana Shaw, | with a bow - | Dashiell Hammett | January 23, 1930), original grey cloth, upper cover with falcon design in blue, lower cover with "Borzoi" device, spine with geometrical design lettered in blue and reverse, black cloth chemise in black morocco-backed slipcase, slight browning

Layman A.1.1.b

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."

One of the earliest presentation copies of one of the most influential detective novels of all time, inscribed by the author three weeks before publication to his editor Joe Shaw and his wife Hana. One other presentation copy inscribed on the same day (to the New York writer Raould Whitfield and his first wife, and Hammett's sometime lover, Prudence) is recorded at auction in the last 36 years, sold in these rooms 28 October 2010, lot 71.

From 1926 to 1936 Joseph T. Shaw was the editor of Black Mask, the pulp magazine founded by H.L. Mencken and George Jean Nathan in 1920. Under Shaw's editorship, Black Mask published crime fiction exclusively, most notably the work of Hammett and Raymond Chandler.