Dashiell Hammett: A Descriptive Bibliography, published by the University of Pittsburgh Press in 1979, is a meticulously compiled bibliographic reference by Richard Layman. This scholarly volume documents the complete body of work by the iconic American crime writer Dashiell Hammett, famed for creating the hard-boiled detective genre with works like The Maltese Falcon and The Thin Man.
The bibliography provides a comprehensive and detailed account of Hammett’s publications, including:
- First editions of his books
- Short stories and serialized works in pulp magazines like Black Mask
- Contributions to newspapers and periodicals
- Radio scripts, screenplays, and unpublished or lesser-known materials
Each entry includes bibliographic details such as publication dates, variant editions, publishers, physical descriptions, and notes on textual differences and historical context. The book is essential for literary scholars, bibliophiles, collectors, and students of American detective fiction, offering an authoritative lens through which to trace Hammett’s literary legacy and publishing history.
It’s often praised for its thorough research and precision, serving as both a reference and a guide to the life and work of one of the most influential American writers of the 20th century.
