First printing of the first Lew Archer novel, introducing one of the most indelible private detectives of the 20th century.
Near fine in a very good plus jacket.
Price: $3,000.00
"I'm really trying to write about contemporary life. I've found the detective form useful for this." — Ross Macdonald
Like Raymond Chandler before him (and to whom he is often compared), Ross Macdonald (pseudonym Kenneth Millar) straddled the worlds of genre and literary fiction. In the famous words of fellow novelist William Goldman (who adapted this novel for the screen), he created "the finest series of detective novels ever written by an American." Across more than 20 books, including his acclaimed and best-known Lew Archer series (named for Sam Spade's partner), MacDonald earned both popular and critical praise, culminating in his 1974 Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America for lifetime achievement, their highest honor. Since his death in 1986, Macdonald's reputation has only grown. Indeed, reviewing for THE BAFFLER the author's 2015 inclusion in the august Library of America, writer Andrew Bacevich praised Macdonald as a "pulp maestro." Basis for the Paul Newman film, HARPER.
Read more: Grogg, "Ross Macdonald: At The Edge" (Interview), Journal of Popular Culture, Summer 1973; Bacevich, "A Not-So-Golden State," The Baffler, October 2015; Bruccoli, Ross Macdonald/Kenneth Millar: A Descriptive Bibliography, A5.1.a.
First edition. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1949. 7.5'' x 5''. Original full orange cloth. In original unclipped ($2.50) color pictorial jacket designed by Bill English. Red topstain. [6], 246, [4] pages. Minor edgewear, rubbing to jacket. Tiny scuff to front flap fold. Small closed tear at spine. A couple of faint creases. Book with touches of shelfwear. Small abrasion to rear pastedown. Overall, clean and sound.
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