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The Maltese Falcon Hardcover - 1974

by Dashiell Hammett


About this book

The Maltese Falcon, author Dashiell Hammett’s third novel, set the standard by which all subsequent detective fiction would be judged. Set in San Francisco in the late 1920s, the novel introduces us to private detective Sam Spade, who characterizes the archetype of the hard-boiled detective in his dead-pan pursuit of the recovery of a black figurine. Having worked for a time for the Pinkerton Detective Agency in San Francisco, Hammett reportedly drew upon his years as a detective in creating Spade and many of the other characters for The Maltese Falcon.

The Maltese Falcon was originally serialized in HL Mencken’s “pulp” magazine, Black Mask, beginning with the September 1929 issue. For publication of the book form, editor Blanche Knopf tried to tone down the overt sexuality of the magazine version, fearing the references would alienate readers, but Hammett prevailed. However, the 1941 film adaptation starring Humphrey Bogart and Mary Astor (the best known of the novel’s three film versions) excised the homosexual subtext of the novel due to Production Code restraints. Today, the movie is considered a film noir classic and the novel is ranked 56th on Modern Library’s “100 Best” English-language novels of the 20th century as well as 54th on The Guardian’s list of the 100 best novels.

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First Edition Identification

Originally published in serial form in the magazine Black Mask, it was published in book form by Alfred A. Knopf in New York in 1930. Bound in grey cloth, the book is perhaps more well-known for its iconic yellow dust-jacket, with its deco typeface and stark image of a perched falcon. As is the custom for Alfred Knopf from this period, the first edition is recognizable by the absence of any statement of printing on the copyright page. The first state dust jacket has an advertisement on the rear panel for Hammett's other novels, priced at $2.00. 

One of the most desirable of all modern first editions, the Maltese Falcon can fetch upwards of $100,000 in a pristine first state jacket, and easily five figures in a second state jacket. 

Details

  • Title The Maltese Falcon
  • Author Dashiell Hammett
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Publisher Littlehampton Book Services Ltd
  • Date 1974
  • ISBN 9780304293131
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The Maltese Falcon

  • Used
Condition
Used - Acceptable
ISBN 13
9780304293131
ISBN 10
030429313x
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Waltham Abbey, Essex, United Kingdom
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Universe Books. Used - Acceptable. Used - Acceptable. Ships from UK in 48 hours or less (usually same day). Ex-library with wear - may contain significant amounts of highlighting and underlining in pen or pencil. Your purchase helps support Sri Lankan Children's Charity 'The Rainbow Centre'. 100% money back guarantee. We are a world class secondhand bookstore based in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom and specialize in high quality textbooks across an enormous variety of subjects. We aim to provide a vast range of textbooks, rare and collectible books at a great price. Our donations to The Rainbow Centre have helped provide an education and a safe haven to hundreds of children who live in appalling conditions. We provide a 100% money back guarantee and are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest standards of service in the bookselling industry.
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NZ$47.27
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The Maltese Falcon

by Hammett, Dashiell

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780304293131
ISBN 10
030429313x
Quantity Available
1
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Bradford, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
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This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
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Description:
Littlehampton Book Services Ltd, 1974-02-28. Hardcover. Acceptable. 2.9977 in x 19.9848 in x 13.9894 in. Ex-library book, usual markings. Hardback with dust cover. Well read copy with some spine wear. Colouring of page edges due to age.
Item Price
NZ$51.06
NZ$70.83 shipping to USA
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The Maltese Falcon

by Anobile, Richard J. (editor) re: John Huston and Dashiell Hammett

  • Used
  • very good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Very Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780304293131
ISBN 10
030429313X
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Seattle, Washington, United States
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Description:
Universe Books, 1974. Hardcover. Very Good. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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NZ$56.28
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The Maltese Falcon

by Hammet, Dashiell

  • Used
Condition
Used - Very Good
ISBN 13
9780304293131
ISBN 10
030429313x
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
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NZ$67.74
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Description:
Orion Publishing Group, Limited. Used - Very Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects.
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NZ$67.74
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