Chandler, Raymond

Farewell, My Lovely. New York: Knopf, 1940

8vo. Publisher's orange cloth, top edges stained blue; natural discoloration at the rear endpaper. Original pictorial dust-jacket; spine slightly darkened with creasing at head. In a cloth folding case.

Bruccoli A2.1.a

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.

A presentation copy of the first editon, and a copy that Chandler originally retained for his own library: "Joe Messick / from Raymond Chandler / La Jolla. October 3, 1950." With his rubber stamp at the top left corner of the page reading, “Raymond Chandler / 6005 Camino de la Costa / La Jolla, Calif.”; with evidence of writing erased between the stamp and the inscription. Messick was the husband of Juanita Messick, Chandler’s favorite and longest-serving secretary, who worked for him for about four years starting in 1950 and virtually became a member of the family.

“Her presence was a stabilizing influence. Chandler converted two of the three bedrooms into the work section of the house…Screenplays and letters he was willing to dictate, but his own fiction was different…When at last he had a book [after his typed drafts] he could stand by, he would give his stack of yellow half-leaves to Mrs. Messick to be retyped on full sheets…After the morning’s work, Chandler and Mrs. Messick would join [his wife] Cissy for lunch. The conversation was usually about books, of which the house was full…In the afternoons Mrs. Messick would continue typing or filing. Under his direction, she prepared an elaborate file of all of his works and kept reports of royalty statements and subsidiary earnings, including translations…At the end of the day, toward five o’clock, the secretary would join Chandler and Cissy for tea…” (Frank McShane, The Life of Raymond Chandler, 1978, pp. 188-191). 

Chandler’s second book – and second Philip Marlowe novel – and his favorite among his books. Inscribed copies of Chandler’s books are rare. Although he wrote his share of letters, Chandler was more sparing in inscribing copies of his own works.