Chandler's first novel, published in 1939, introduces Philip Marlowe, a 38-year-old P.I. moving through the seamy side of Los Angeles in the 1930s. This classic case involves a paralyzed California millionaire, his two psychotic daughters, blackmail, and murder.
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Chandler's first novel, published in 1939, introduces Philip Marlowe, a 38-year-old P.I. moving through the seamy side of Los Angeles in the 1930s. This classic case involves a paralyzed California millionaire, his two psychotic daughters, blackmail, and murder.
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Fine. Beautiful, unblemished book. See photo! Photo is of actual book which will ship. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 240 p. Philip Marlowe Novel, 1. Audience: General/trade.
I ENJOYED THIS BOOK SO MUCH, I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.
PaTalk
Jul 23, 2010
Classic mystery at its best
You just can't read this without the image of Humphrey Bogart in your mind. This is the kind of mystery that influenced everything after it's publication. Love the phrasing and pictures Chandler presents and the fast action.
rejoyce
Oct 23, 2007
The Sun-Blinded Southland
Raymond Chandler practically invented the Southern California detective novel, which also includes Ross MacDonald and Walter Mosley. His protagonist Philip Marlowe stalks a sun-blinded Southland of elite mansions, transient motels, retired generals, nymphomaniac daughters, and cagey heiresses. Chandler rises above the crowd with his way with a metaphor and his witty, tough-guy repartee. Our image of Los Angeles--its glamour and seediness--is forever refracted through Chandler's stylish prose. The principals in Howard Hawks' movie version of The Big Sleep claimed not to understand the convolutions of the plot, but no matter. It's the pleasure of the prose that counts.