The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler

Description

“The Big Sleep” is a classic hardboiled detective novel written by American author Raymond Chandler. It was first published in 1939 and is the debut novel featuring Chandler’s iconic fictional private detective, Philip Marlowe.

The novel is set in Los Angeles and follows Philip Marlowe as he is hired by a wealthy retired general, General Sternwood, to investigate a series of blackmail threats against his family. As Marlowe delves into the case, he becomes entangled in a web of intrigue, corruption, and murder, uncovering the dark underbelly of the city.

“The Big Sleep” is known for its sharp, witty dialogue, complex characters, and Chandler’s skillful portrayal of the gritty and morally ambiguous world of noir fiction. The novel has been adapted into multiple films, with notable adaptations in 1946 and 1978, starring Humphrey Bogart and Robert Mitchum as Philip Marlowe, respectively.

Raymond Chandler’s work, including “The Big Sleep,” has had a profound influence on the detective fiction genre and is celebrated for its contribution to American literature.