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Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe
Authorized by the estate of the late Raymond Chandler, this volume reveals the missing life history and detective adventures of Philip Marlowe, one of the 20th century's most enduring and beloved characters. Marlowe is the quintessential American detective: cynical yet idealistic; romantic yet full of despair; a gentleman capable of rough violence. The stories are written by some of the detective-mystery genre's leading lights, including Max Allan Collins, Sara Paretsky, Roger L. Simon, Stuart M. Kaminsky, Robert Crais, Edward Hoch, Ed Gorman, Eric Van Lustbader, Loren Estleman, Simon Brett, and Joyce Harrington. The final story in the volume is Raymond Chandler's last Marlowe adventure: The Pencil. The stories run chronologically through the career of Marlowe, from 1935 through 1960. These are classic Marlowe tales of betrayal, mistrust, and double-dealing on the seamy side of Los Angeles. You can share your thoughts about Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe in the new ibooks virtual readers' group at www.ibooksinc.com
478 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 1988
3 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Raymond Chandler
447 books5,577 followersRaymond Thornton Chandler was an American-British novelist and screenwriter. In 1932, at the age of forty-four, Chandler became a detective fiction writer after losing his job as an oil company executive during the Great Depression. His first short story, "Blackmailers Don't Shoot", was published in 1933 in Black Mask, a popular pulp magazine. His first novel, The Big Sleep, was published in 1939. In addition to his short stories, Chandler published seven novels during his lifetime (an eighth, in progress at the time of his death, was completed by Robert B. Parker). All but Playback have been made into motion pictures, some more than once. In the year before his death, he was elected president of the Mystery Writers of America.
Chandler had an immense stylistic influence on American popular literature. He is a founder of the hardboiled school of detective fiction, along with Dashiell Hammett, James M. Cain and other Black Mask writers. The protagonist of his novels, Philip Marlowe, like Hammett's Sam Spade, is considered by some to be synonymous with "private detective". Both were played in films by Humphrey Bogart, whom many consider to be the quintessential Marlowe.
The Big Sleep placed second on the Crime Writers Association poll of the 100 best crime novels; Farewell, My Lovely (1940), The Lady in the Lake (1943) and The Long Goodbye (1953) also made the list. The latter novel was praised in an anthology of American crime stories as "arguably the first book since Hammett's The Glass Key, published more than twenty years earlier, to qualify as a serious and significant mainstream novel that just happened to possess elements of mystery". Chandler was also a perceptive critic of detective fiction; his "The Simple Art of Murder" is the canonical essay in the field. In it he wrote: "Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid. The detective must be a complete man and a common man and yet an unusual man. He must be, to use a rather weathered phrase, a man of honor—by instinct, by inevitability, without thought of it, and certainly without saying it. He must be the best man in his world and a good enough man for any world."
Parker wrote that, with Marlowe, "Chandler seems to have created the culminating American hero: wised up, hopeful, thoughtful, adventurous, sentimental, cynical and rebellious—an innocent who knows better, a Romantic who is tough enough to sustain Romanticism in a world that has seen the eternal footman hold its coat and snicker. Living at the end of the Far West, where the American dream ran out of room, no hero has ever been more congruent with his landscape. Chandler had the right hero in the right place, and engaged him in the consideration of good and evil at precisely the time when our central certainty of good no longer held."
Chandler had an immense stylistic influence on American popular literature. He is a founder of the hardboiled school of detective fiction, along with Dashiell Hammett, James M. Cain and other Black Mask writers. The protagonist of his novels, Philip Marlowe, like Hammett's Sam Spade, is considered by some to be synonymous with "private detective". Both were played in films by Humphrey Bogart, whom many consider to be the quintessential Marlowe.
The Big Sleep placed second on the Crime Writers Association poll of the 100 best crime novels; Farewell, My Lovely (1940), The Lady in the Lake (1943) and The Long Goodbye (1953) also made the list. The latter novel was praised in an anthology of American crime stories as "arguably the first book since Hammett's The Glass Key, published more than twenty years earlier, to qualify as a serious and significant mainstream novel that just happened to possess elements of mystery". Chandler was also a perceptive critic of detective fiction; his "The Simple Art of Murder" is the canonical essay in the field. In it he wrote: "Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid. The detective must be a complete man and a common man and yet an unusual man. He must be, to use a rather weathered phrase, a man of honor—by instinct, by inevitability, without thought of it, and certainly without saying it. He must be the best man in his world and a good enough man for any world."
Parker wrote that, with Marlowe, "Chandler seems to have created the culminating American hero: wised up, hopeful, thoughtful, adventurous, sentimental, cynical and rebellious—an innocent who knows better, a Romantic who is tough enough to sustain Romanticism in a world that has seen the eternal footman hold its coat and snicker. Living at the end of the Far West, where the American dream ran out of room, no hero has ever been more congruent with his landscape. Chandler had the right hero in the right place, and engaged him in the consideration of good and evil at precisely the time when our central certainty of good no longer held."
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 3, 2008
On paper, this book sounds terrific. Semi-famous mystery authors take up the iconic Marlowe character and write short stories that span the several decades of his fictional career. Throw in a short story from Chandler himself, some forewords/afterwords and a map, and bam.
Reality is much more cruel. I think out of the dozens of stories in this book, only 2 or 3 were really entertaining. I think Chandler's style was so close to parody itself, that imitating it is very difficult. It can slip into parody, but more often, these stories came off as just above-average fan-fiction.
Some were pretty appalling, too. Having more than one story that includes Chandler and Marlowe meeting is ridiculous.
Reality is much more cruel. I think out of the dozens of stories in this book, only 2 or 3 were really entertaining. I think Chandler's style was so close to parody itself, that imitating it is very difficult. It can slip into parody, but more often, these stories came off as just above-average fan-fiction.
Some were pretty appalling, too. Having more than one story that includes Chandler and Marlowe meeting is ridiculous.
January 11, 2016
This is one of those books that I started years ago, lost repeatedly, and have only just finished, so take this review with a tablespoon of salt (and, in fact, it should really only apply to the last ten or so stories).
It's interesting. It's interesting to see people try to write like Chandler. Some of the stories are good. Some are not. But I don't think any of the authors really captured Chandler's flair for ridiculous metaphor (some ignored it altogether, others were obviously trying too hard), but what can you do? It is, at heart, a collection of Marlowe fan fiction, and it's okay. For fan fic, it's pretty good, but it's not Chandler, and I get the impression from the authors' blurbs, they all knew, at heart, that it never really could be.
It's interesting. It's interesting to see people try to write like Chandler. Some of the stories are good. Some are not. But I don't think any of the authors really captured Chandler's flair for ridiculous metaphor (some ignored it altogether, others were obviously trying too hard), but what can you do? It is, at heart, a collection of Marlowe fan fiction, and it's okay. For fan fic, it's pretty good, but it's not Chandler, and I get the impression from the authors' blurbs, they all knew, at heart, that it never really could be.
June 3, 2010
In 1988, on the centenary of the birth of mystery writer Raymond Chandler (1888-1959), this collection of short stories about private detective Philip Marlowe was published. Authorized by Chandler's estate, the stories each take place in a particular year from 1935 up to 1959. A number of famous authors contributed stories: Max Allan Collins, Sara Paretsky, Stuart Kaminsky, W R Philbrick and Eric van Lustbader. Also included is Chandler's own final short story about Marlowe, "The Pencil."
For my part, having read all of Chandler's Marlowe novels, I find most of the stories convincing. Chandler is too easily parodied, and the authors have avoided this.
For my part, having read all of Chandler's Marlowe novels, I find most of the stories convincing. Chandler is too easily parodied, and the authors have avoided this.
January 9, 2013
I debated whether to rate this any stars at all. By the end of this review, you'll understand why I was so generous....
The authors featured in this anthology have written multiple other stories/novels. Some even won awards.
I read the first five stories (plus one). Big mistake. Each of the first five tries very, very hard to sound like Raymond Chandler, and each one reads like it's -- well, like it's trying very, very hard to sound like Raymond Chandler.
But the biggest mistake in here was that the editor included a story that was really, truly written by Raymond Chandler himself. And reading that one makes the others only useful for wrapping up a long-dead fish.
The authors featured in this anthology have written multiple other stories/novels. Some even won awards.
I read the first five stories (plus one). Big mistake. Each of the first five tries very, very hard to sound like Raymond Chandler, and each one reads like it's -- well, like it's trying very, very hard to sound like Raymond Chandler.
But the biggest mistake in here was that the editor included a story that was really, truly written by Raymond Chandler himself. And reading that one makes the others only useful for wrapping up a long-dead fish.
April 24, 2013
Some of the world's greatest mystery writers contribute all new stories about Chandler's Philip Marlowe. Make certain you get the revised and expanded 1999 edition. There are several stories here I've gone back to reread over the years. I like the standout stories by Max Alan Collins, Robert L. Simon, and Dick Lochte, but it's the second story in the volume, "The Black-Eyed Blonde" by Benjamin M. Schutz that haunts me. It comes to life full blown in my mind's eye like a movie, complete with music. For me, that story alone was worth the price of admission. Robert B. Parker, Sara Paretsky, Robert Crais and others contribute to this treasured volume.
August 2, 2009
Most of the writers of this anthology at least make an effort at incorporating Chandler's prose style in their stories, so this anthology feels a lot like a collection of sonnets: some do well with it, some struggle against it, and some muddle through. My favorite was James Grady's, which pulls a neat trick on the reader and hides a mystery within a mystery.
December 8, 2020
I bought this when it came out. I was/am a big Chandler fan, probably the author who has been a consistent part of my adult life. I think it started after I saw Robert Altman's The Long Goodbye and the read the book. I started at the top and read the rest, but nothing disappointed, although there are highs and lows. So why not read this compendium of short stories written in tribute? I suppose I didn't want to wander into poor imitations. It stayed on the shelf for the best part of 30 years. And then I dipped into it one night of restlessly trying to decide what to read. What a surprise. I've enjoyed working my way through these authors writing a short story tribute to the master. What I found most moving was the short piece by each author outlining what Chandler meant to them. The stories are a mixed bunch, inevitably, but each offers amusement and intriguing interpretations of Chandler's style and ideas, complete with subsidiary characters making appearances. Even Raymond and Cissy turn up in one story. Now back to the originals.
August 4, 2021
I read this book many years ago, when I was new to the mystery genre. While the short stories in this volume are, for the most part, forgettable, this book was my personal introduction to several of the authors in the collection, some of whom are now among my favorites. So, while I didn't get what I was looking for all those years ago - which was more Phillip Marlowe because there wasn't enough - I discovered Elvis Cole and several other detectives instead. Maybe I'd have found them some other way. But I will always have a soft spot for this collection because it marks the point where my reading world suddenly became a lot wider.
June 11, 2020
I suppose it's a good thing I've never tried to make my living as a book reviewer. I didn't find the other stories paled in comparison to the Real Thing at the end, and don't see why anyone would think they do. But then, I'm not feeling moved to do a line or three on each item, as I often do w/ anthologies.
Nor did Chandler's own piece change my life--as so many of the authors here say Raymond Chandler's work changed theirs! I know because I found my old copy-edit marks in it, but don't remember my first time thru.
Nor did Chandler's own piece change my life--as so many of the authors here say Raymond Chandler's work changed theirs! I know because I found my old copy-edit marks in it, but don't remember my first time thru.
May 24, 2018
It's amazing how one writer can inspire so many!
January 28, 2024
Various takes on short story based on Chandler's Philip Marlowe character.
May 20, 2025
VERY uneven. Expected from anthology but the differences from one story to another are sometimes dramatic. I forgot about the book a few times due to how bad some stories where.
April 19, 2025
3 stars is generous. The Pencil by Chandler himself is typically great. But it’s available in other, much better publications now.
Most of the “tribute” writers clearly don’t give a slice of angel food about Chandler… and a few even admit it in their own, often self-serving introductions.
The Collins story is good, Stuart Kaminsky’s, and a few others. But this anthology is generally a waste; why have authors who don’t consider Chandler an influence (and even dislike his work) contribute to something like this?
Most of the “tribute” writers clearly don’t give a slice of angel food about Chandler… and a few even admit it in their own, often self-serving introductions.
The Collins story is good, Stuart Kaminsky’s, and a few others. But this anthology is generally a waste; why have authors who don’t consider Chandler an influence (and even dislike his work) contribute to something like this?
July 30, 2011
Authorized by the estate of the late Raymond Chandler, this volume reveals
the missing life history and detective adventures of Philip Marlowe, one of
the 20th century''s most enduring and beloved characters. Marlowe is the quintessential
American detective: cynical yet idealistic; romantic yet full of despair; a
gentleman capable of rough violence.
The stories are written by some of the detective-mystery genre''s leading lights,
including Max Allan Collins, Sara Paretsky, Roger L. Simon, Stuart M. Kaminsky,
Robert Crais, Edward Hoch, Ed Gorman, Eric Van Lustbader, Loren Estleman, Simon
Brett, and Joyce Harrington. The final story in the volume is Raymond Chandler''s
last Marlowe adventure:"The Pencil."
The stories run chronologically through the career of Marlowe, from 1935 through
1960. These are classic Marlowe tales of betrayal, mistrust, and double-dealing
on the seamy side of Los Angeles.
the missing life history and detective adventures of Philip Marlowe, one of
the 20th century''s most enduring and beloved characters. Marlowe is the quintessential
American detective: cynical yet idealistic; romantic yet full of despair; a
gentleman capable of rough violence.
The stories are written by some of the detective-mystery genre''s leading lights,
including Max Allan Collins, Sara Paretsky, Roger L. Simon, Stuart M. Kaminsky,
Robert Crais, Edward Hoch, Ed Gorman, Eric Van Lustbader, Loren Estleman, Simon
Brett, and Joyce Harrington. The final story in the volume is Raymond Chandler''s
last Marlowe adventure:"The Pencil."
The stories run chronologically through the career of Marlowe, from 1935 through
1960. These are classic Marlowe tales of betrayal, mistrust, and double-dealing
on the seamy side of Los Angeles.
November 16, 2025
Το βιβλίο, σε επιμέλεια του Byron Preiss, συγκεντρώνει είκοσι πέντε (25) νέες ιστορίες με πρωταγωνιστή τον εμβληματικό ντετέκτιβ Φίλιπ Μάρλοου.
Κάθε διήγημα έχει γραφτεί από έναν διαφορετικό, αναγνωρισμένο συγγραφέα αστυνομικής λογοτεχνίας (όπως οι Robert B. Parker, Sara Paretsky, Max Allan Collins, και άλλοι). Οι ιστορίες είναι διατεταγμένες χρονολογικά, καλύπτοντας διαφορετικά έτη της καριέρας του Μάρλοου, από το 1935 έως το 1959, προσφέροντας μια ολοκληρωμένη εικόνα της "ζωής" του ντετέκτιβ και του Λος Άντζελες της εποχής.
Το πιο σημαντικό στοιχείο της συλλογής είναι ότι περιλαμβάνει το τελευταίο ολοκληρωμένο διήγημα του ίδιου του Ρέιμοντ Τσάντλερ με τον Μάρλοου, με τίτλο Το Μολύβι
Το βιβλίο αποτελεί έναν φόρο τιμής στον χαρακτήρα του Φίλιπ Μάρλοου, επεκτείνοντας τον μύθο του μέσα από τα μάτια πολλών διαφορετικών συγγραφέων, ενώ παράλληλα προσφέρει στους θαυμαστές του Τσάντλερ το τελευταίο του έργο με τον διάσημο ντετέκτιβ.
Σύσταση:Σύντομες αστυνομικές ιστορίες. Θα μπορούσα να διαβάσω άνετα άλλες εκατό
Κάθε διήγημα έχει γραφτεί από έναν διαφορετικό, αναγνωρισμένο συγγραφέα αστυνομικής λογοτεχνίας (όπως οι Robert B. Parker, Sara Paretsky, Max Allan Collins, και άλλοι). Οι ιστορίες είναι διατεταγμένες χρονολογικά, καλύπτοντας διαφορετικά έτη της καριέρας του Μάρλοου, από το 1935 έως το 1959, προσφέροντας μια ολοκληρωμένη εικόνα της "ζωής" του ντετέκτιβ και του Λος Άντζελες της εποχής.
Το πιο σημαντικό στοιχείο της συλλογής είναι ότι περιλαμβάνει το τελευταίο ολοκληρωμένο διήγημα του ίδιου του Ρέιμοντ Τσάντλερ με τον Μάρλοου, με τίτλο Το Μολύβι
Το βιβλίο αποτελεί έναν φόρο τιμής στον χαρακτήρα του Φίλιπ Μάρλοου, επεκτείνοντας τον μύθο του μέσα από τα μάτια πολλών διαφορετικών συγγραφέων, ενώ παράλληλα προσφέρει στους θαυμαστές του Τσάντλερ το τελευταίο του έργο με τον διάσημο ντετέκτιβ.
Σύσταση:Σύντομες αστυνομικές ιστορίες. Θα μπορούσα να διαβάσω άνετα άλλες εκατό
January 2, 2011
I'm a huge fan of Raymond Chandler, but these stories were mere imitations of his. Some were pretty good, but I wasn't thrilled enough with the book to want to run out and get a copy (I got this at the library).
September 27, 2013
Sounds like a fun idea on the surface. But the trouble is: Marlowe was never much of a character to begin with. Little distinguishes him from a million other 'hard-boiled' detectives. He was always an empty vessel for Chandler to pour his genius into. None of these writers is a Chandler.
March 10, 2013
Slightly uneven collection, but there are some great stories in here. The best - of course - is the one Chandler story included, which I had not read before.
October 22, 2021
Grim darkness… dreamily.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews