DASHIELL HAMMETT: The Author's Archive. Comprising Holograph Manuscript; heavily corrected typescript; galley proof; uncorrected proof; first edition. by SYMONS, Julian; [HAMMETT, Dashiell]:

Original Manuscript; later published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. 1983. Julian Symons' manuscript archive relating to his biography of Dashiell Hammett. Comprising the holograph manuscript, bound in yellow boards. 144 pages written between March 18th 1983 and June 1st 1983 in black ink, with corrections and reworking throughout. Typescript, 99 pages, signed by Symons at Chapter One and with holograph corrections throughout. Two page select bibliography, 34 pages of typed textual revisions (dated March 1984) and a further 7 typescript notes (all either staple or paper clip bound); galley proof, 61 pages, signed by Symons at the head of page one with holograph emendations and editorial notes throughout; Uncorrected proof copy, a fine copy in blue card covers printed in black. A first edition of the published work, the author's copy with his ownership signature to the top right corner of the front endpaper and with the publisher's review / advance copy slip loosely laid in. A superb collection of material documenting the entire process from manuscript to publication. The multi award-winning British crime writer's highly regarded biography and critical appreciation of the master of hard-boiled detective fiction Dashiell Hammett. Published as volume 5 in the HBJ Album Biography series, edited by Matthew J. Bruccoli. Symons served as the president of the Detection Club from 1976 until 1985 and was the recipient of a CWA Crossed Red Herring / Gold Dagger Award. He also won two Edgar Awards from the Mystery Writers of America and the MWA's Grand Master Award (1982). Further details and images for any of the items listed are available on request. Lucius Books welcomes direct contact with our customers.