The World of Raymond Chandler

by Miriam Gross (Editor)

First U.S. Edition bound in red cloth. A Fine copy in a Near Fine, price-clipped dust jacket. The dust jacket has a vertical, closed 3/4" tear at the upper left corner of the front panel. Essays by Julian Symons, Michael Gilbert and others. Introduction by Patricia Highsmith.

Genres: Noir, Nonfiction

190 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[AC · Rating 2 out of 5]

Advertise as a photographic essay on the world of Raymond Chandler, this book is rather simply a collection of essays, short essays by various people — some known (Clive James, Jacques Barzun, Patricia Highsmith), some unknown. The photos are simply a few publicity shots included in three inserts. Wasn’t worth the money of purchasing.

[Henry Louis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book because the bibliography in the Collected Stories published by Everyman's Library says it is a "pictorial biography and a lavishly illustrated study of the milieu of the Marlowe novels."

This is an exceedingly deceptive description. I expected a book filled with pictures of 1930s Los Angeles. Instead, it is mainly stills from filmed adaptations of his books and pictures of Chandler himself. Lame.

The articles are mostly by British fans and friends of Chandler, some of which are worth reading, some of which are absolutely terrible. The reminiscences are largely about Chandler's visits to England toward the end of his life when he had fallen apart following his wife's death.

I'd judge this one as for the Chandler completist only.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting mix of essays on Raymond Chandler from literary analyses to memoirs from acquaintances. I'd held off on reading it until I'd at least finished all of his novels, because of the casual references to revealing plot points (whodunnit?). Overall it fills in personality for Chandler that helps understand his work much better, even if I did find myself raising my eyebrow at some of the conclusions drawn by the literary types.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

turns out i’m more interested in philip marlowe than i am in raymond chandler

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is basically a bunch of essays. It's alright, and I you can read it in a short evening. As far as real insight into Chandler's brain or work... no, not really.

[Khenan Bragador · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of essays. I preferred the more personal ones to the ones analysing his characters/books (also a great one analysing the movies based off his books)