THE LONG GOODBYE - INSCRIBED TO JEAN SENDY
Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1954. First American Edition. Jean Sendy (1910-1978) was Chandler's primary French language translator, a noted Ufologist, and author of works of esoterica. His translations of Chandler's work include Efface la roquine (1950, translations of "Trouble Is My Business," "Pearls Are A Nuisance," and "Spanish Blood"), La mort à roulette (1951, translations of "Nevada Gas," "King in Yellow," and "Pick up on Noon Street"), La rousse rafle tout (1952, translations of "The Bronze Door," "Smart-Aleck Kill," and "The Simple Art of Murder"), Meurtres à la douzaine: nouvelles (1966, Spanish Blood), and "Ennuis c'est mon problème" (translation of "Trouble Is My Business," included in the 2015 omnibus Un Privé Nommé Marlowe). A significant copy; while Chandler was more than sparing when it came to inscribing his books, the present copy was inscribed for someone with whom he had a significant working relationship. The apex of 20th century detective fiction, winner of the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 1955, and basis for Robert Altman's 1973 film starring Elliott Gould and Sterling Hayden. Bruccoli A10.2.a; Hubin, p.76; Baird 447. Item #7389
First Printing, one of 10,000 copies. Octavo (21.5cm); two-tone blue and light green cloth, with titles stamped in hunter green on spine and front cover; green topstain; dustjacket; [iv],316pp. Inscribed on the front endpaper the day after publication to Jean Sendy, the author's French language translator: "A' Jean Sendy / with the best wishes and kindest thoughts of Raymond Chandler / La Jolla, Calif / March 19, 1954." Spine ends a bit pushed, some wear to lower right corner of front board, with lower left corner of rear board bumped (though still sharp), and light rubbing to upper left corner of same; contents fresh, with topstain bright and unfaded; Very Good+ or better. Dustjacket is unclipped, with the printed price scratched-out in ink; modest wear, shallow nicks to spine ends and corners, with several small tears and attendant creases, and some short splits to joints; Very Good.
Price: $27,500.00