Samuel Dashiell Hammett es ampliamente considerado uno de los mejores escritores de misterio de todos los tiempos, célebre por su obra pionera en el género de detectives "hardboiled". Sus narrativas se caracterizan por un crudo realismo y una exploración aguda y poco sentimental de la naturaleza humana y la corrupción social. Hammett creó personajes icónicos cuyo atractivo perdurable reside en su compleja moralidad y agudo ingenio. Su profunda influencia tanto en la literatura como en el cine cimentó su legado como maestro narrador y voz definitoria de la ficción detectivesca.
Selección de las mejores historias publicadas en la revista " Black Mask " por Dashiell Hammett, " El agente de la Continental " es sin duda alguna uno de los mejores libros del género negro. El anónimo detective que afronta en primera persona los casos que se le van presentando (el mismo que protagoniza también la novela " Cosecha roja " ) es un profesional, un asalariado de la violencia que concilia mejor o peor la práctica de su peligroso oficio y sus convicciones con los fines a menudo dudosos de quien lo contrata.
Paul Madvig was a cheerfully corrupt ward-heeler who aspired to something better: the daughter of Senator Ralph Bancroft Henry, the heiress to a dynasty of political purebreds. Did he want her badly enough to commit murder? And if Madvig was innocent, which of his dozens of enemies was doing an awfully good job of framing him? Dashiell Hammett's tour de force of detective fiction combines an airtight plot, authentically venal characters, and writing of telegraphic crispness.
Un detective privado se zambulle en un violento baño de sangre a las pocas horas de llegar a Personville, una pequeña ciudad minera. Las batallas entre las bandas de gánsteres son combatidas por el investigador con las mismas armas utilizadas por los enemigos de la ley. Compleja trama argumental donde Hammett refleja, sin tapujos, la corrupción de la sociedad capitalista y la adereza con descripciones espectaculares y diálogos marcadamente cáusticos.
Cuando Dashiell Hammett murió, en enero de 1961, estaba escribiendo una novela que iba a significar una completa ruptura con su obra anterior. Esta novela inconclusa, "Tulip", que cierra el presente volumen, fue también el motivo por el que Hammett se negó a reeditar sus cuentos: en el momento de iniciar un nuevo periodo literario, no quería que lo escrito más de treinta años antes se le cruzara en el camino. Pero no sería justo condenar al olvido piezas de la brillantez de "El gran golpe" o "El asesinato de las criadas chinas": en ellas Hammett esbozó el ambiente y los personajes de sus novelas posteriores, y la "violencia total" que las recorre no es menor que la que, a partir de la publicación de "Cosecha roja" (1929), se revelaría como característica fundamental de un género literario nuevo. El asesinato de las criadas chinas -- Corkscrew -- El rapto -- Elo gran golpe -- El orto Hammett -- Tulip --
Paul Madvig was a cheerfully corrupt ward-heeler who aspired to something better: the daughter of Senator Ralph Bancroft Henry, the heiress to a dynasty of political purebreds. Did he want her badly enough to commit murder? And if Madvig was innocent, which of his dozens of enemies was doing an awfully good job of framing him? Dashiell Hammett's tour de force of detective fiction combines an airtight plot, authentically venal characters, and writing of telegraphic crispness. A one-time detective and a master of deft understatement, Dashiell Hammett virtually invented the hard-boiled crime novel. This classic Hammet work of detective fiction combines an airtight plot, authentically venal characters, and writing of telegraphic crispness.
La audaz mezcla de realismo descarnado y sentimientos románticos, habitual en la narativa de DASHIELL HAMMETT (1894-1961), alcanza en EL HALCÓN MALTÉS (1930) su mejor plasmación. Una estatuilla con figura de halcón que los caballeros de la Orden de Malta regalaron al emperador Carlos V en 1530 ha sido objeto, durante más de cuatro siglos, de robos y extravíos. Cuando, tras mil peripecias, llega a la ciudad de San Francisco, un grupo de delincuentes trata de apoderarse de ella, lo que da lugar a conflictos, asesinatos y pasiones esacerbadas. A ello contribuye el detective Sam Spade mediante el empleo de la violencia más cruda y la creación de situaciones arriesgadas e imprevisibles, aunque siempre esclarecedoras.
In a few years of remarkable creativity, Dashiell Hammett revolutionized the American crime novel. Raymond Chandler noted that Hammett returned murder to those who commit it for reasons, portraying them authentically and in their own language. Starting as a prolific writer for 1920s pulp magazines, he established a gritty, realistic crime fiction that became integral to American literature. The five novels published between 1929 and 1934, now collected in a single volume, created archetypal characters and set the tone for hardboiled writing. Drawing from his experiences as a Pinkerton detective, Hammett infused his works with a harsh realism and a spirit of adventure. His concise prose garnered admiration from contemporaries like Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, and William Faulkner.
Each novel presents a unique mood and structure. "Red Harvest" captures the violence and chaos of political corruption in a mining town, featuring the Continental Op who manipulates rival factions. "The Dain Curse" involves a more melodramatic plot of jewel theft and a mysterious cult. "The Maltese Falcon" showcases the iconic Sam Spade in a tightly woven quest story filled with eccentric characters and a sense of disillusionment. "The Glass Key" delves into the treacherous world of city politics, while "The Thin Man" offers a comedic take on the mystery genre, introducing the beloved characters Nick and Nora Charles, who became cinematic icons.
This edition features the Continental Op's most thrilling adventures, showcasing the gritty and suspenseful storytelling of Dashiell Hammett. Newly restored, these crime stories capture the essence of early detective fiction as they originally appeared in "Black Mask," highlighting the clever plots and complex characters that define Hammett's work. Fans of classic noir will appreciate the authenticity and charm of these iconic tales.
Three novels involving private detectives and shady characters tackle homicide, treachery, and corruption. In the Maltese falcon, after the death of his partner, San Francisco private eye, Sam Spade is dragged into a quest for a priceless statuette. In the Thin man, Nick Charles searches for a wealthy inventor who is the prime suspect in a New York City murder case. In the Red harvest, when Continental Op arrives in the western town of Personville and finds that his client has been murdered, he decides to investigate local gangland activities
The book showcases Hammett's groundbreaking hard-boiled writing style, which has influenced countless authors. Known for its gritty realism and sharp dialogue, the narrative delivers a powerful impact that resonates with readers. This original work stands out in the genre, capturing the essence of crime and moral ambiguity in a way that continues to inspire and captivate.
Set in the early 20th century, this story showcases Dashiell Hammett's pioneering style in hardboiled detective fiction. Originally published in 1923, it exemplifies the gritty realism and complex characters that define the genre. As one of Hammett's early works, it reflects the evolution of mystery writing, making it a significant piece for both collectors and new readers. This edition aims to preserve the original text and artwork, offering an accessible glimpse into the roots of modern detective stories.
Ex-detective Nick Charles attracts trouble like a magnet. He thinks his sleuthing days are over, but when Julia Wolf, a former acquaintance, is found dead, her body riddled with bullets, Nick - along with his glamorous wife, Nora - can't resist making a few enquiries.
Dashiell Hammett's classic detective novel features Paul Madvig, a corrupt ward-heeler vying for the affections of a senator's daughter. With a tight plot and sharp writing, the story explores themes of ambition and betrayal, as Madvig faces accusations of murder amidst a web of enemies.
ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE'S 100 BEST MYSTERY AND THRILLER BOOKS OF ALL TIME • A special edition of this coolly glittering gem of detective fiction that has haunted three generations of readers, from one of the greatest mystery writers of all time. Featuring an introduction by James Ellroy. A treasure worth killing for. Sam Spade, a slightly shopworn private eye with his own solitary code of ethics. A perfumed grafter named Joel Cairo, a fat man name Gutman, and Brigid O’Shaughnessy, a beautiful and treacherous woman whose loyalties shift at the drop of a dime. These are the ingredients of Dashiell Hammett's iconic, influential, and beloved The Maltese Falcon. A Vintage Crime/Black Lizard Special Edition
Everything about the Leggett diamond heist indicated to the Continental Op that it was an inside job. From the stray diamond found in the yard to the eyewitness accounts of a "strange man" casing the house, everything was just too pat. Gabrielle Dain-Leggett has enough secrets to fill a closet, and when she disappears shortly after the robbery, she becomes the Op's prime suspect. But her father, Edgar Leggett, keeps some strange company himself and has a dark side the moon would envy. Before he can solve the riddle of the diamond theft, the Continental Op must first solve the mystery of this strange family.
A young, frightened, foreign woman appears at the door of an isolated house. The man and woman inside take her in. Other strangers appear in pursuit of the girl. Menace is in the air. Originally published in 1933, Hammett's Woman in the Dark shows the author at the peak of his narrative powers. With an introduction by Robert B. Parker, the author of the celebrated Spenser novels.
An exciting new series which provides reading and language learning at five
levels. As well as enjoyable stories and texts, each book provides a range of
integrated activities designed to develop reading skills, consolidate
vocabulary, and offer personalised project work. Each book is supported by a
CD-ROM which contains additional activities and the complete audio recording.
What's special about Penguin Active Reading? Beautiful illustrations,
photographs, maps and diagrams help to bring the stories alive and reinforce
meaning Integrated activities help your students think about the story/text in
advance, check comprehension, learn new vocabulary and practise key grammar
structures Outside the classroom - a bank of ideas for project work, as well
as a great range of background information on related themes Student
motivation - a fully-interactive CD-ROM (includes complete audio recording)
and supporting website complement the activities contained in the book Help
with testing - an unbeatable choice of activities in the book and on the CD-
ROM Every title has its own photocopiable worksheet packed with background
information about the book and author as well as a range of activities to
practise new vocabulary and grammar, increase comprehension and develop all
four skills. Regular test questions help check students' understanding of the
story and language so problem areas can be identified immediately.
Do izby vbehla vysoká dievčina, ktorú som videl na svadobnej hostine. Oči mala rozšírené, od vzrušenia potemnené. Tvár bledú a mokrú. Z modrej nepremokavej peleríny jej cícerkom stekala voda, kapucňa jej pokrývala tmavé vlasy.„Och, pán Hendrixson!" Oboma rukami mu zovrela ruku. Hovorila bez náznaku cudzieho prízvuku, no jej hlas vyvolával dojem nadšeného prekvapenia. „Práve prepadli banku a toho — akože ho to voláte — policajného šerifa zabili!"
Fracht für China: Eine schwerreiche amerikanisch-chinesische Erbin, Lillian Shan, kommt früher als erwartet von einer Reise zurück. Die Haustür wird ihr von einem wildfremden Mann geöffnet, Lillian wird fein säuberlich in irgendwelche Vorhänge eingeschnürt. Als sich Lillian endlich befreien kann, sind ihre Dienstboten tot. Außerdem: Corkscrew Cañon / Tulip (Hammetts letztes, unvollendetes Romanprojekt).
Drei Detektiv-Geschichten, mit einem Nachwort von Steven Marcus. Der Continental Op beginnt auf gut Glück einen Gangster zu beschatten, den er vor Jahren schon einmal gesehen hatte, und der als das Dingsbums Küken bekannt ist. Und plötzlich wird auf das Küken geschossen. Außerdem: Der Main-Tod / Der Farewell-Mord.
Im 'Haus an der Turk Street' wird der Continental Op von einem alten Pärchen und einem rothaarigen Mädchen reingelegt. In 'Das goldene Hufeisen' erweist sich ein Routine-Auftrag als ziemlich gefährlich. Und in 'Das Mädchen mit den silbernen Augen' wird der Continental Op von einem Dichter aus seinem Sonntagsschlaf gerissen, weil dessen Verlobte verschwunden ist.
Třetí a poslední díl souboru detektivních novel a povídek, které u nás dosud nebyly publikovány.
Osm detektivních povídek a novel představitele literární "drsné školy" Dashiella Samuela Hammetta nám dává nahlédnout do života americké společnosti ve 20.-30. letech dvacátého století. Novela "První hubený muž" je nedokončená, námět autor přepracoval a zveřejnil v románu "Hubený muž". Postava cynického a mlčenlivého detektiva Sama Spada z fiktivní Kontinentální agentury zaujme svým brilantním myšlením a kombinačními schopnostmi
Prokletí rodu Dainů mohlo vyjít až po roce 1989. Tento román patří k nejzajimavějším románům Hammetta. Jde o sérii vražd mezi uličkami San Franciska konce dvacátých let. Skleněný klíč vychází již po třetí a odehrává se na malém městečku poblíž New Yorku – na pozadí předvolebního boje se odehrává tento příběh.
Detektivní román o politickém předvolebním boji, mafiánech a korupci v jednom nejmenovaném menším městě poblíž New Yorku. Objektivně vzato, vražda a vypátrání pachatele tu nehraje vysloveně hlavní roli, je spíše pomocným motivem politicko-mafiánské story.
Výber z noviel klasika detektívneho žánru Dashiella Hammetta obsahuje sedem poviedok — Desiatu stopu, Zlatú podkovu, Dom v Tureckej ulici, Dievča so striebornými očami, Chalana, Mainovu ulicu a Farewellskú vraždu. Prózy spája postava nemenovaného detektíva sanfranciskej pobočky Kontinentálnej agentúry, ku ktorej autora inšpirovali vlastné skúsenosti agenta preslávenej Pinkertonovej spoločnosti. Všetky poviedky sa odohrávajú koncom dvadsiatych rokov, kedy v Spojených štátoch vládla prohibícia. Zákaz vyrábať a predávať alkohol vyvolal vlnu zločinnosti, z ktorej bohatli podvodníci, pašeráci alkoholu a zločinecké gangy. Dôverná znalosť podsvetia a výrazný literárny talent umožnili Hammettovi vytvoriť detektívne príbehy, ktoré svojím významom prerástli dovtedajší rámec oddychovej literatúry a zaradili sa do zlatého fondu svetovej literatúry. Zbierku poviedok Detektív z Kontinentálnej vydalo roku 1974 newyorské nakladateľstvo Random House so zasväteným predslovom Stevena Marcusa. Tento predslov sme prebrali aj do slovenského vydania, a tak sa náš čitateľ bude môcť bližšie oboznámiť so životom Dashiella Hammetta, nemenej pestrým a dramatickým ako život jeho literárnych postáv, a jeho tvorbou, ktorej vďačíme za také mytologické postavy americkej kultúry, ako sú detektív z Kontinentálnej, Sam Spade a Chudý muž.
Další z výběru Hammetových "pulp" povídek, které z různých časopisů sesbíral nakladatel Kroft obsahuje povídky : Město děsu - ...strážcem bratra svého - Asistent vraždy - Kdo jinému jámu kopá - Smrt na Pinet Street - Anděl z druhého patra - Strach ze zbraní
Dej sa odohráva v týždni medzi Vianocami a Novým rokom koncom dvadsiatych rokov 20.storočia v New Yorku, kam Nick Charles príde stráviť sviatky. Náhodou sa stretáva so starými známymi z čias svojej kariéry detektíva a nechtiac sa zapletie do vyšetrovania dvoch záhadných vrážd.
Kniha obsahuje tři případy : 1. Rudá žeň - přeložil František Jungwirth. 2. Maltézský sokol - přeložil Radoslav Nenadál. 3. Hubený muž - přeložil Radoslav Nenadál. Doslov „Záhada jménem Hammett“ napsal Michael Žantovský. Vydání druhé.