(Modern First Editions) CHANDLER'S FIRST 4 NOVELS The Big Sleep, The High Window; Farewell My Lovely; Lady In The Lake

Estate fresh, unsophisticated lot of the first 4 Raymond Chandler novels-- all with "First Edition" stated.       

                                      First Edition of Chandler's Far-Famed Debut Novel

The Big Sleep. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1939. 279 pp., (1).  Orange cloth, blue lettering. Bookplate on first blank.  Spine ends frayed a little; Gutters toned, text is clean. Slightly shaken.  Topstain faded.  No jacket.  An acceptable copy of a high spot in modern lit.  

                                        It was one of the mixed blocks over on Central Avenue...

Farewell My Lovely.  New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1940.   275 pp., (1).  Only front panel & flap of jacket present, with yellowed tape. Topstain faded, dust soiled. Spine ends frayed a bit, edge of  lower back cover has a dent; spine faded, slightly cocked.  Gutters toned, bookplate; tape shadow on blank; text clean.  

                                        Unclipped Dust Jacket by Hans J. Barschel

The High Window. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1942.  240 pp., (1).  Dust jacket spine ends chipped with loss; folds creased, tender. Brown cloth with mauve stamping. Spine ends bumped.  Bookplate on front endpaper.  Gutters toned. Text clean. Unclipped original pictorial dust jacket by Hans J. Barschel.                                     

                                      Norman Reeves Iconic Dust Jacket

The Lady in the Lake.  New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1943. 216 pp. (1).  Jacket spine ends chipped with loss, closed tear; green cloth with darker green lettering; spine ends sunned; gutters lightly toned; bookplate. Holiday Book Shop label at lower Inside back cover, 49 East 49th St., NYC. Unclipped original pictorial dust jacket by Norman Reeves.