I don't mind Spillane, but I've only read two of them, whereas Hammett was a master of the genre. He virtually created it single-handedly. I still have one or two of his novels to read, but I'm savouring them. And then there are the 'lost stories' that were uncovered a couple of years ago. Can't wait to snag a copy of that one. Enjoy Phoenix, NA.
For what it's worth, I agree. I went in order, Shell Scott (by Richard S. Prather), Mike Hammer (Spillane of course) and the Continental Op (Hammett) and it was a clear rise in quality each time. And also Hammett had visited Tacoma, and mentions Tacoma in several stories, including one of the Continental Op stories.
Out of the same genre, one of my memorable Chandlerisms, describing Marlowe's immodest bedroom prowess, is "rampant as a stallion". Can't remember which story.
Sweet li'l Corona. Enjoy your trip.
ReplyDeleteThose ARE funny bits. I think Hammett's, characteristically, shows more style than Spillane's.
I don't mind Spillane, but I've only read two of them, whereas Hammett was a master of the genre. He virtually created it single-handedly. I still have one or two of his novels to read, but I'm savouring them. And then there are the 'lost stories' that were uncovered a couple of years ago. Can't wait to snag a copy of that one.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Phoenix, NA.
For what it's worth, I agree. I went in order, Shell Scott (by Richard S. Prather), Mike Hammer (Spillane of course) and the Continental Op (Hammett) and it was a clear rise in quality each time. And also Hammett had visited Tacoma, and mentions Tacoma in several stories, including one of the Continental Op stories.
ReplyDeleteHave fun! I hope you get time to type it up.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your trip. Sure is a fine typewriter for less than $20.
ReplyDeleteOut of the same genre, one of my memorable Chandlerisms, describing Marlowe's immodest bedroom prowess, is "rampant as a stallion". Can't remember which story.
ReplyDelete