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Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe
Penzler Pick, January 2000: Originally published a decade ago and now expanded, this book is a homage to the greatest detective story writer of the 20th century, an Anglo-American who took Los Angeles, his adopted home, off the road maps and into the land of legend. For Raymond Chandler, who died in 1959, his literary descendants will do just about anything, and that includes contributing to an anthology honoring him. Thus, in here we find the likes of Sara Paretsky, Robert Crais, Loren D. Estleman, Jonathan Valin, Robert Campbell, Eric Van Lustbader, Simon Brett, Julie Smith, Jeremiah Healy, Roger L. Simon, James Grady, and numerous others creating stories in the style of Chandler and in the voice of Marlowe. But, as editor Byron Preiss remarks, "The contributors of this book are here to honor Chandler, not to steal from him."
He also says, "Many would not be the writers they are had not Chandler followed Hammett and Cain down the back alley of fiction into the realm of art." That's certainly a succinctly expressive summation. Moreover, today the idea of the "mean streets" that Chandler wished the best heroes to traverse is one that has, perhaps more than ever before, seized the imagination of the public when it comes to popular entertainment. What's old is new again, as they say, and in this case that means noir.
In an introduction by Robert B. Parker—who himself finished the incomplete Chandler novel Poodle Springs (1990)—we learn the essentials of Chandler's life (the British public school education, the wife who was 18 years older than he, etc.). But in the stories essayed here we get the effects of an imagined world that has become an entire universe.
Among the many included are tales of the Thelma Todd murder scandal by Max Allan Collins; of Dr. Seuss's missing watercolors by Robert L. Simon; of a pro wrestler called The Crusher by Jonathan Valin; and of the ancient jeweled skull that was the inspiration for Hammett's Maltese Falcon by Dick Lochte.
Two new stories, not in the earlier edition of this volume, are by Simon, creator of Moses Wine, and J. Madison Davis, the author of Red Knight and White Rook and president of the North American Association of International Crime Writers.
Finally, there is an afterword by Chandler scholar and biographer Frank McShane. And, yes, the real Raymond Chandler is here too, represented by the story "The Pencil," in which that particular writing instrument turns out to be one gift you never want to receive. This book is not quite the real thing; it can't be. But it's as close as you could hope to find. —Otto Penzler
Contents:
Introduction by Robert B. Parker
Dealer's Choice by Sara Paretsky
The Man Who Knew Dick Bong by Robert Crais
Gun Music by Loren D. Estleman
Malibu Tag Team by Jonathan Valin
Mice by Robert Campbell
Asia by Eric Van Lustbader
Stardust Kill by Simon Brett
Red Rock by Julie Smith
In the Line of Duty by Jeremiah Healy
In the Jungle of Cities by Roger L. Simon
The Devil's Playground by James Grady
The Perfect Crime by Max Allan Collins
Sad-Eyed Blonde by Dick Lochte
The Black-Eyed Blonde by Benjamin M. Schutz
Saving Grace by Joyce Harrington
The Empty Sleeve by W.R. Philbrick
The Deepest South by Paco Ignacio Taibo II
Consultation in the Dark by Francis M. Nevins Jr.
Star Bright by John Lutz
Locker 246 by Robert J. Randisi
Bitter Lemons by Stuart M. Kaminsky
Essence D'Orient by Edward D. Hoch
The Alibi by Ed Gorman
The Pencil by Raymond Chandler
Robert L. Simon
Afterword by Frank McShane
He also says, "Many would not be the writers they are had not Chandler followed Hammett and Cain down the back alley of fiction into the realm of art." That's certainly a succinctly expressive summation. Moreover, today the idea of the "mean streets" that Chandler wished the best heroes to traverse is one that has, perhaps more than ever before, seized the imagination of the public when it comes to popular entertainment. What's old is new again, as they say, and in this case that means noir.
In an introduction by Robert B. Parker—who himself finished the incomplete Chandler novel Poodle Springs (1990)—we learn the essentials of Chandler's life (the British public school education, the wife who was 18 years older than he, etc.). But in the stories essayed here we get the effects of an imagined world that has become an entire universe.
Among the many included are tales of the Thelma Todd murder scandal by Max Allan Collins; of Dr. Seuss's missing watercolors by Robert L. Simon; of a pro wrestler called The Crusher by Jonathan Valin; and of the ancient jeweled skull that was the inspiration for Hammett's Maltese Falcon by Dick Lochte.
Two new stories, not in the earlier edition of this volume, are by Simon, creator of Moses Wine, and J. Madison Davis, the author of Red Knight and White Rook and president of the North American Association of International Crime Writers.
Finally, there is an afterword by Chandler scholar and biographer Frank McShane. And, yes, the real Raymond Chandler is here too, represented by the story "The Pencil," in which that particular writing instrument turns out to be one gift you never want to receive. This book is not quite the real thing; it can't be. But it's as close as you could hope to find. —Otto Penzler
Contents:
Introduction by Robert B. Parker
Dealer's Choice by Sara Paretsky
The Man Who Knew Dick Bong by Robert Crais
Gun Music by Loren D. Estleman
Malibu Tag Team by Jonathan Valin
Mice by Robert Campbell
Asia by Eric Van Lustbader
Stardust Kill by Simon Brett
Red Rock by Julie Smith
In the Line of Duty by Jeremiah Healy
In the Jungle of Cities by Roger L. Simon
The Devil's Playground by James Grady
The Perfect Crime by Max Allan Collins
Sad-Eyed Blonde by Dick Lochte
The Black-Eyed Blonde by Benjamin M. Schutz
Saving Grace by Joyce Harrington
The Empty Sleeve by W.R. Philbrick
The Deepest South by Paco Ignacio Taibo II
Consultation in the Dark by Francis M. Nevins Jr.
Star Bright by John Lutz
Locker 246 by Robert J. Randisi
Bitter Lemons by Stuart M. Kaminsky
Essence D'Orient by Edward D. Hoch
The Alibi by Ed Gorman
The Pencil by Raymond Chandler
Robert L. Simon
Afterword by Frank McShane
397 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 1988
3 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Byron Preiss
108 books39 followersByron Preiss was the president of Byron Preiss Visual Publications and Ibooks, and was recognized as a pioneer in digital publishing. He was among the first publishers to release CD-ROM's and electronic books.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Preiss graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1972 and earned a master's degree in communications from Stanford University. He produced The Words of Gandhi, an audio book that won a Grammy Award in 1985. He was also the co-author of Dragonworld, a novel he co-wrote with J. Michael Reaves that was published by Bantam Books in 1979.
A proponent of illustrated books, as well as comics and graphic novels, Preiss also published works by celebrity authors including Jane Goodall, Billy Crystal, Jerry Seinfeld, LeAnn Rimes and Jay Leno.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Preiss graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1972 and earned a master's degree in communications from Stanford University. He produced The Words of Gandhi, an audio book that won a Grammy Award in 1985. He was also the co-author of Dragonworld, a novel he co-wrote with J. Michael Reaves that was published by Bantam Books in 1979.
A proponent of illustrated books, as well as comics and graphic novels, Preiss also published works by celebrity authors including Jane Goodall, Billy Crystal, Jerry Seinfeld, LeAnn Rimes and Jay Leno.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 3, 2008
On paper, this book sounds terrific. Semi-famous mystery authors take up the iconic Marlowe character and write short stories that span the several decades of his fictional career. Throw in a short story from Chandler himself, some forewords/afterwords and a map, and bam.
Reality is much more cruel. I think out of the dozens of stories in this book, only 2 or 3 were really entertaining. I think Chandler's style was so close to parody itself, that imitating it is very difficult. It can slip into parody, but more often, these stories came off as just above-average fan-fiction.
Some were pretty appalling, too. Having more than one story that includes Chandler and Marlowe meeting is ridiculous.
Reality is much more cruel. I think out of the dozens of stories in this book, only 2 or 3 were really entertaining. I think Chandler's style was so close to parody itself, that imitating it is very difficult. It can slip into parody, but more often, these stories came off as just above-average fan-fiction.
Some were pretty appalling, too. Having more than one story that includes Chandler and Marlowe meeting is ridiculous.
January 11, 2016
This is one of those books that I started years ago, lost repeatedly, and have only just finished, so take this review with a tablespoon of salt (and, in fact, it should really only apply to the last ten or so stories).
It's interesting. It's interesting to see people try to write like Chandler. Some of the stories are good. Some are not. But I don't think any of the authors really captured Chandler's flair for ridiculous metaphor (some ignored it altogether, others were obviously trying too hard), but what can you do? It is, at heart, a collection of Marlowe fan fiction, and it's okay. For fan fic, it's pretty good, but it's not Chandler, and I get the impression from the authors' blurbs, they all knew, at heart, that it never really could be.
It's interesting. It's interesting to see people try to write like Chandler. Some of the stories are good. Some are not. But I don't think any of the authors really captured Chandler's flair for ridiculous metaphor (some ignored it altogether, others were obviously trying too hard), but what can you do? It is, at heart, a collection of Marlowe fan fiction, and it's okay. For fan fic, it's pretty good, but it's not Chandler, and I get the impression from the authors' blurbs, they all knew, at heart, that it never really could be.
June 3, 2010
In 1988, on the centenary of the birth of mystery writer Raymond Chandler (1888-1959), this collection of short stories about private detective Philip Marlowe was published. Authorized by Chandler's estate, the stories each take place in a particular year from 1935 up to 1959. A number of famous authors contributed stories: Max Allan Collins, Sara Paretsky, Stuart Kaminsky, W R Philbrick and Eric van Lustbader. Also included is Chandler's own final short story about Marlowe, "The Pencil."
For my part, having read all of Chandler's Marlowe novels, I find most of the stories convincing. Chandler is too easily parodied, and the authors have avoided this.
For my part, having read all of Chandler's Marlowe novels, I find most of the stories convincing. Chandler is too easily parodied, and the authors have avoided this.
January 9, 2013
I debated whether to rate this any stars at all. By the end of this review, you'll understand why I was so generous....
The authors featured in this anthology have written multiple other stories/novels. Some even won awards.
I read the first five stories (plus one). Big mistake. Each of the first five tries very, very hard to sound like Raymond Chandler, and each one reads like it's -- well, like it's trying very, very hard to sound like Raymond Chandler.
But the biggest mistake in here was that the editor included a story that was really, truly written by Raymond Chandler himself. And reading that one makes the others only useful for wrapping up a long-dead fish.
The authors featured in this anthology have written multiple other stories/novels. Some even won awards.
I read the first five stories (plus one). Big mistake. Each of the first five tries very, very hard to sound like Raymond Chandler, and each one reads like it's -- well, like it's trying very, very hard to sound like Raymond Chandler.
But the biggest mistake in here was that the editor included a story that was really, truly written by Raymond Chandler himself. And reading that one makes the others only useful for wrapping up a long-dead fish.
April 24, 2013
Some of the world's greatest mystery writers contribute all new stories about Chandler's Philip Marlowe. Make certain you get the revised and expanded 1999 edition. There are several stories here I've gone back to reread over the years. I like the standout stories by Max Alan Collins, Robert L. Simon, and Dick Lochte, but it's the second story in the volume, "The Black-Eyed Blonde" by Benjamin M. Schutz that haunts me. It comes to life full blown in my mind's eye like a movie, complete with music. For me, that story alone was worth the price of admission. Robert B. Parker, Sara Paretsky, Robert Crais and others contribute to this treasured volume.
August 2, 2009
Most of the writers of this anthology at least make an effort at incorporating Chandler's prose style in their stories, so this anthology feels a lot like a collection of sonnets: some do well with it, some struggle against it, and some muddle through. My favorite was James Grady's, which pulls a neat trick on the reader and hides a mystery within a mystery.
December 8, 2020
I bought this when it came out. I was/am a big Chandler fan, probably the author who has been a consistent part of my adult life. I think it started after I saw Robert Altman's The Long Goodbye and the read the book. I started at the top and read the rest, but nothing disappointed, although there are highs and lows. So why not read this compendium of short stories written in tribute? I suppose I didn't want to wander into poor imitations. It stayed on the shelf for the best part of 30 years. And then I dipped into it one night of restlessly trying to decide what to read. What a surprise. I've enjoyed working my way through these authors writing a short story tribute to the master. What I found most moving was the short piece by each author outlining what Chandler meant to them. The stories are a mixed bunch, inevitably, but each offers amusement and intriguing interpretations of Chandler's style and ideas, complete with subsidiary characters making appearances. Even Raymond and Cissy turn up in one story. Now back to the originals.
August 4, 2021
I read this book many years ago, when I was new to the mystery genre. While the short stories in this volume are, for the most part, forgettable, this book was my personal introduction to several of the authors in the collection, some of whom are now among my favorites. So, while I didn't get what I was looking for all those years ago - which was more Phillip Marlowe because there wasn't enough - I discovered Elvis Cole and several other detectives instead. Maybe I'd have found them some other way. But I will always have a soft spot for this collection because it marks the point where my reading world suddenly became a lot wider.
June 11, 2020
I suppose it's a good thing I've never tried to make my living as a book reviewer. I didn't find the other stories paled in comparison to the Real Thing at the end, and don't see why anyone would think they do. But then, I'm not feeling moved to do a line or three on each item, as I often do w/ anthologies.
Nor did Chandler's own piece change my life--as so many of the authors here say Raymond Chandler's work changed theirs! I know because I found my old copy-edit marks in it, but don't remember my first time thru.
Nor did Chandler's own piece change my life--as so many of the authors here say Raymond Chandler's work changed theirs! I know because I found my old copy-edit marks in it, but don't remember my first time thru.
May 24, 2018
It's amazing how one writer can inspire so many!
January 28, 2024
Various takes on short story based on Chandler's Philip Marlowe character.
April 19, 2025
3 stars is generous. The Pencil by Chandler himself is typically great. But it’s available in other, much better publications now.
Most of the “tribute” writers clearly don’t give a slice of angel food about Chandler… and a few even admit it in their own, often self-serving introductions.
The Collins story is good, Stuart Kaminsky’s, and a few others. But this anthology is generally a waste; why have authors who don’t consider Chandler an influence (and even dislike his work) contribute to something like this?
Most of the “tribute” writers clearly don’t give a slice of angel food about Chandler… and a few even admit it in their own, often self-serving introductions.
The Collins story is good, Stuart Kaminsky’s, and a few others. But this anthology is generally a waste; why have authors who don’t consider Chandler an influence (and even dislike his work) contribute to something like this?
July 30, 2011
Authorized by the estate of the late Raymond Chandler, this volume reveals
the missing life history and detective adventures of Philip Marlowe, one of
the 20th century''s most enduring and beloved characters. Marlowe is the quintessential
American detective: cynical yet idealistic; romantic yet full of despair; a
gentleman capable of rough violence.
The stories are written by some of the detective-mystery genre''s leading lights,
including Max Allan Collins, Sara Paretsky, Roger L. Simon, Stuart M. Kaminsky,
Robert Crais, Edward Hoch, Ed Gorman, Eric Van Lustbader, Loren Estleman, Simon
Brett, and Joyce Harrington. The final story in the volume is Raymond Chandler''s
last Marlowe adventure:"The Pencil."
The stories run chronologically through the career of Marlowe, from 1935 through
1960. These are classic Marlowe tales of betrayal, mistrust, and double-dealing
on the seamy side of Los Angeles.
the missing life history and detective adventures of Philip Marlowe, one of
the 20th century''s most enduring and beloved characters. Marlowe is the quintessential
American detective: cynical yet idealistic; romantic yet full of despair; a
gentleman capable of rough violence.
The stories are written by some of the detective-mystery genre''s leading lights,
including Max Allan Collins, Sara Paretsky, Roger L. Simon, Stuart M. Kaminsky,
Robert Crais, Edward Hoch, Ed Gorman, Eric Van Lustbader, Loren Estleman, Simon
Brett, and Joyce Harrington. The final story in the volume is Raymond Chandler''s
last Marlowe adventure:"The Pencil."
The stories run chronologically through the career of Marlowe, from 1935 through
1960. These are classic Marlowe tales of betrayal, mistrust, and double-dealing
on the seamy side of Los Angeles.
November 16, 2025
Το βιβλίο, σε επιμέλεια του Byron Preiss, συγκεντρώνει είκοσι πέντε (25) νέες ιστορίες με πρωταγωνιστή τον εμβληματικό ντετέκτιβ Φίλιπ Μάρλοου.
Κάθε διήγημα έχει γραφτεί από έναν διαφορετικό, αναγνωρισμένο συγγραφέα αστυνομικής λογοτεχνίας (όπως οι Robert B. Parker, Sara Paretsky, Max Allan Collins, και άλλοι). Οι ιστορίες είναι διατεταγμένες χρονολογικά, καλύπτοντας διαφορετικά έτη της καριέρας του Μάρλοου, από το 1935 έως το 1959, προσφέροντας μια ολοκληρωμένη εικόνα της "ζωής" του ντετέκτιβ και του Λος Άντζελες της εποχής.
Το πιο σημαντικό στοιχείο της συλλογής είναι ότι περιλαμβάνει το τελευταίο ολοκληρωμένο διήγημα του ίδιου του Ρέιμοντ Τσάντλερ με τον Μάρλοου, με τίτλο Το Μολύβι
Το βιβλίο αποτελεί έναν φόρο τιμής στον χαρακτήρα του Φίλιπ Μάρλοου, επεκτείνοντας τον ��ύθο του μέσα από τα μάτια πολλών διαφορετικών συγγραφέων, ενώ παράλληλα προσφέρει στους θαυμαστές του Τσάντλερ το τελευταίο του έργο με τον διάσημο ντετέκτιβ.
Σύσταση:Σύντομες αστυνομικές ιστορίες. Θα μπορούσα να διαβάσω άνετα άλλες εκατό
Κάθε διήγημα έχει γραφτεί από έναν διαφορετικό, αναγνωρισμένο συγγραφέα αστυνομικής λογοτεχνίας (όπως οι Robert B. Parker, Sara Paretsky, Max Allan Collins, και άλλοι). Οι ιστορίες είναι διατεταγμένες χρονολογικά, καλύπτοντας διαφορετικά έτη της καριέρας του Μάρλοου, από το 1935 έως το 1959, προσφέροντας μια ολοκληρωμένη εικόνα της "ζωής" του ντετέκτιβ και του Λος Άντζελες της εποχής.
Το πιο σημαντικό στοιχείο της συλλογής είναι ότι περιλαμβάνει το τελευταίο ολοκληρωμένο διήγημα του ίδιου του Ρέιμοντ Τσάντλερ με τον Μάρλοου, με τίτλο Το Μολύβι
Το βιβλίο αποτελεί έναν φόρο τιμής στον χαρακτήρα του Φίλιπ Μάρλοου, επεκτείνοντας τον ��ύθο του μέσα από τα μάτια πολλών διαφορετικών συγγραφέων, ενώ παράλληλα προσφέρει στους θαυμαστές του Τσάντλερ το τελευταίο του έργο με τον διάσημο ντετέκτιβ.
Σύσταση:Σύντομες αστυνομικές ιστορίες. Θα μπορούσα να διαβάσω άνετα άλλες εκατό
January 2, 2011
I'm a huge fan of Raymond Chandler, but these stories were mere imitations of his. Some were pretty good, but I wasn't thrilled enough with the book to want to run out and get a copy (I got this at the library).
September 27, 2013
Sounds like a fun idea on the surface. But the trouble is: Marlowe was never much of a character to begin with. Little distinguishes him from a million other 'hard-boiled' detectives. He was always an empty vessel for Chandler to pour his genius into. None of these writers is a Chandler.
March 10, 2013
Slightly uneven collection, but there are some great stories in here. The best - of course - is the one Chandler story included, which I had not read before.
October 22, 2021
Grim darkness… dreamily.
December 15, 2025
VERY uneven. Expected from anthology but the differences from one story to another are sometimes dramatic. I forgot about the book a few times due to how bad some stories where.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews