PBA Galleries

With: The Big Sleep. 277, [1] pp. His first book which introduces the world to the famed private eye, Philip Marlowe. Only 5,000 copies of the first printing were produced. The basis for the 1946 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Original cloth spine tipped-in at rear. [Bruccoli A1.1.a]. Knopf, 1939. * Farewell, My Lovely. 275, [2] pp. Original cloth spine tipped-in at rear. [Bruccoli A2.1.a]. Knopf, 1940. * The High Window. 240, [2] pp. Original cloth spine tipped-in at rear. [Bruccoli A.3.1a]. Knopf, 1942. * The Lady in the Lake. 216, [2] pp. Only 6,000 copies printed. Original cloth spine tipped-in at rear. [Bruccoli A.4.1a]. Knopf, 1943. * The Little Sister. 256 pp. True first (precedes 1st U.S.). Original cloth spine tipped-in at rear. [Bruccoli A.8.1a]. Hamish Hamilton, [1949]. * The Long Good-Bye. 320 pp. True first (precedes 1st U.S.). [Bruccoli A.10.1a]. Hamish Hamilton, [1953]. * Playback. 205 pp. 1st U.S. [Bruccoli A.11.2a]. Houghton Mifflin, 1958. * Killer in the Rain. 332 pp. Intro. by Philip Durham. Short stories, most first appearing in "Black Mask" where Chandler and Hammett began their career. [Bruccoli A.14.1a]. (Usual foxing). Hamish Hamilton, [1964]. * The Smell of Fear. 538 pp. (Usual foxing). Hamish Hamilton, [1965]. Together, 9 volumes. Seven are uniformly bound in full oasis red morocco (Little Sister and The Long Good-Bye are in half maroon morocco & cloth), spines lettered in gilt, raised bands, marbled endpapers, top edges gilt (except Little Sister). First Editions.

Bound by the Jack Chitgian Bindery (Los Angeles).

Attractively and professionally bound set of Raymond Chandler, with all his major Philip Marlowe high-spots, except the final book, Poodle Springs, which was unfinished by Chandler and was completed by Robert Parker much later. Also, two collected stories volumes, making this an effective and striking leather bound set enhancing any library. First five books with the original cloth spine laid down on a leaf and tipped-in.