The Maltese Falcon

Author:

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.

Published:

ISBN: 9780679722649

Genre: literature

Pages: 175

Format: eBook

Language: en

Description

A hard-boiled private detective, Sam Spade, gets caught up in a dangerous quest for a priceless statuette, the Maltese Falcon, pursued by a trio of cunning and ruthless criminals.

Topics

Greed, deception, obsession, morality, and the consequences of one's choices in a corrupt world.

Detailed Description

In Dashiell Hammett's iconic novel, The Maltese Falcon, private investigator Sam Spade finds himself embroiled in a complex and perilous hunt for a jewel-encrusted statuette. As Spade navigates a web of deceit, double-crosses, and murder, he encounters a cast of unforgettable characters, each driven by their own avarice and desires. From the enigmatic Brigid O'Shaughnessy to the corpulent Kasper Gutman and the effeminate Joel Cairo, Spade must rely on his wits and intuition to unravel the mystery of the Maltese Falcon and survive the treacherous game.

About the Author

Samuel Dashiell Hammett

Samuel Dashiell Hammett (1894-1961) was an American author of hard-boiled detective novels and short stories. He was also a screenwriter and political activist. Hammett is credited with popularizing the hard-boiled detective genre and is regarded as one of the greatest crime writers of all time. His notable works include *The Maltese Falcon*, *The Thin Man*, and *Red Harvest*. Hammett's writing style is characterized by its concise prose, realistic dialogue, and morally ambiguous characters.

Key Characters

  • Sam Spade: A cynical and resourceful private investigator, the protagonist of the story, known for his sharp wit and moral ambiguity.
  • Brigid O'Shaughnessy: A beautiful and mysterious client who draws Spade into the search for the Maltese Falcon, characterized by her deceit and charm.
  • Casper Gutman: An obese and eccentric art collector obsessed with obtaining the Maltese Falcon, known for his vast knowledge and cunning.
  • Joel Cairo: An effeminate and perfumed art collector also seeking the Falcon, known for his Levantine origins and his volatile temper.
  • Wilmer Cook: Gutman's young and ruthless bodyguard, quick to violence, and fiercely loyal.
  • Miles Archer: Spade's partner, portrayed as boastful and a womanizer. His death sets the plot in motion.

Keywords

Maltese Falcon, Dashiell Hammett, Sam Spade, private detective, hard-boiled fiction, crime novel, mystery, San Francisco, statuette, black bird, Brigid O'Shaughnessy, Casper Gutman, Joel Cairo, Wilmer Cook, Miles Archer, deception, greed, double-cross, moral ambiguity, film noir, Raymond Chandler, crime thriller, mystery fiction, classic literature, noir, detective fiction, 1930s, short stories, corruption, police, murder, criminal investigation, investigator, police procedural, film adaptation, treasure, quest, classic novel, vintage crime, hardboiled detective, thriller

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