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4.5
I bought both the Chandler set and the Philip K Dick set. The books are beautiful but a little small, so check the sizing if you need large print, etc. The books come in sturdy cases that are perfect for display on the shelf. These are probably the nicest books I own. Highly recommended.The books are a little smaller than I'd hoped, I was expecting them to be trade paperback size and they are just a little bigger than paperback novels, which means the type is small. So if you're a geezer expect to whip out the old lighted magnifying glass.Chandler is the master of description; "from thirty yards away she looked good, up close she looked like she'd been made up to look good from 30 yards away." << I'm paraphrasing but if you like this kind of straight to the heart writing Chandler is your boy.This is a very nice two-volume set of Raymond Chandler's work, beginning with his earliest stories, or novellas, if you will. I've read all the novels before but the short stories are new to me. If you read them in order, as I am doing, you can certainly see his growth as a writer. Even so, no one would say this is great literature, at least I don't think so, but if you like 1930s California settings, then I encourage your adding this to your library. I am enjoying it, plus it's a great price..Very nicely bound, printed and boxed edition; good value.Excellent writing, superb storytelling and vivid characterizations of Southern California, and particularly LA in the late 30' though the early the 50's. As a child, I lived in the many of the areas Chandler wrote about, and his descriptions of the sites, sounds, smells, life styles, manner of dress, social structure and manner of speaking brought back many childhood memories. His plots tend to be complex; he's a great read for those who enjoy trying to solve mysteries, as well as those who just like to go with the flow of the story.This box set has more than lived up to its reputation of being one of the greatest noir collections (or book collections in general) ever compiled. The quality of these two volumes is absolutely top notch. And the stories within them deserve their beautiful binding. The prose slays me, the stories are gripping, and the characters are perfectly developed. I am now hooked on Raymond Chandler's writing.By the way, this is an $80 value at quite a low price.Arrived exactly as ordered, brand new.I am an avid reader of everything. I have to say this is now my favorite author. Just sucks you into the characters. Amazing how Bogart and Powell were able to capture the Marlowe character to perfection in their movies. No one alive could do this now that i am aware of.Awesome and thanks. I love these books.An essential purchase for Chandler fans, all the great well known stories plus some great additions, notes essays etc. So much of what followed would never have existed if Chandler hadn't done all this first.The consistency of tone throughout each story is notable, the snappy phrases, slick similes and laconic lines lay easily within the stories. Modern imitators have yet to achieve that level of integration and authenticity.The books are well produced and a worthwhile investment to replace those paperbacks that you've worn out and that friends never returned...where's Marlowe when you need him?For a discerning book shelf.And great to have all the best (and some of the less-good) writing in one place, by one of the superb stylists of light literature.Excellent collection and well worth the money. Delightfully packaged, a joy to own.Great set, great price, quick delivery.
