Raymond Chandler
Biography
Raymond Chandler (1888-1959) was an American-British novelist and screenwriter, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of hard-boiled detective fiction. Born in Chicago, he moved to England as a child and was educated there before returning to the United States in 1912. He worked various jobs, including as a bookkeeper and a director of several independent oil companies, before beginning his writing career in his mid-forties during the Great Depression. His iconic creation, the private detective Philip Marlowe, first appeared in short stories for pulp magazines and later in seven full-length novels, starting with 'The Big Sleep' (1939). Chandler's work is celebrated for its intricate plots, atmospheric descriptions of Los Angeles, and cynical yet honorable protagonist, profoundly influencing film noir and modern crime literature.
Selected Thoughts
«Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid.»
«A good story cannot be devised; it has to be distilled.»
«The first time I saw him I had a funny feeling it was going to be a bad day. He had that kind of face.»
Writing Style
Chandler's writing style is characterized by its hard-boiled realism, lean and precise prose, and sharp, witty dialogue. He employed vivid, often poetic metaphors and similes to describe the grimy urban landscape of Los Angeles, creating a distinctive atmosphere. His narratives are typically told in the first-person by his cynical yet morally upright detective, Philip Marlowe, offering a world-weary perspective on corruption and disillusionment.