A Reader's Guide to Raymond Chandler

by Widdicombe, Toby

• ISBN13: 9780313307676
• ISBN10: 0313307679
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-05-30
• Publisher: Greenwood Pub Group

Summary

The author of such works as The Big Sleep (1939), Farewell, My Lovely (1940), The Lady in the Lake (1943), and The Long Goodbye (1953), Raymond Chandler was one of the most popular mystery writers of his time. His works continue to be read today and have been adapted many times into films. Chandler's writings have also been receiving growing amounts of scholarly attention, and while most of this attention has focused on his use of language, critics are now studying the fictitious world he created and the milieu in which he wrote. This reference is a detailed guide to his writings. A chronology and brief biography overview the chief events in his life and career, with the biography discussing thematic patterns in his life and writings. The major section of the book, "Chandler's World," describes the characters and places in his 7 novels and 25 short stories. Alphabetically arranged entries also provide summaries of his works, along with discussions of key topics. The entries are concise and informative and thus readily guide the reader through Chandler's complex universe. Appendices provide information about adaptations of his works, along with extensive listings of primary and secondary sources for additional consultation.

Author Biography

Toby Widdicombe is an associate professor in the Department of English at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Acknowledgments	xi
Abbreviations	xiii
Chronology	xv
The Life of Raymond Chandler	1	(8)
Chandler's World	9	(162)
Appendix A: Marlowe on Film, TV, and Radio	171	(8)
Appendix B: Chandler as Screenwriter	179	(4)
Appendix C: Other Writers' Versions of Chandler	183	(2)
Appendix D: Chandler Resources	185	(16)
Works Cited	201	(2)
Index	203