The Maltese Falcon PDF is a detective novel by Dashiell Hammett, first published in 1930. The story follows private investigator Sam Spade as he becomes embroiled in a complex web of deceit and murder while trying to track down a valuable statue of a falcon.
Some common themes in the book include the corruption and moral ambiguity of the characters, as well as the role of greed in driving their actions. The book is also known for its hardboiled style, which is characterized by gritty, realistic dialogue and a focus on the seedier side of life.
The book has been widely praised for its tight plotting, well-developed characters, and atmospheric setting. It is considered a classic of the hardboiled detective genre and has been adapted into several films, most notably the 1941 version directed by John Huston. The book is widely available in print and ebook format and can be found in most bookstores and online retailers.
Table of Contents
The Maltese Falcon Summary
The novel begins with Spade being visited by a woman named Miss Wonderly, who hires him to follow a man named Floyd Thursby, who she claims has taken advantage of her younger sister. Spade agrees to take the case and begins to follow Thursby, but things quickly become complicated when Thursby is murdered. Spade then finds himself caught up in a web of lies and deception involving multiple parties all after the same valuable statue of a Maltese Falcon.
One of the main characters in the book is Brigid O’Shaughnessy, who is revealed to be Miss Wonderly and is a key figure in the plot to obtain the falcon. Spade is attracted to her and is torn between his feelings and his duty as a detective. Spade also teams up with a police detective named Tom Polhaus and his partner, Lieutenant Dundy, to investigate Thursby’s murder, but they are hindered by the complex web of lies and deception that surrounds the case.
As the story progresses, Spade discovers that a falcon is a valuable object of great historical and monetary value and that it has been the object of several attempts to obtain it over the years. He also finds out that the people he is working with are not who they appear to be and that they are all willing to kill to get their hands on the falcon.
Details of The Maltese Falcon Book
| Book | The Maltese Falcon |
| Author | Dashiell Hammett |
| Original language | English |
| Originally published | December 1929 |
| Category | Detective fiction, Mystery |
| Publisher | Alfred A. Knopf |
| Total Pages | 217 |
| Format | PDF, ePub |
Multiple Languages Editions of The Maltese Falcon Book
“The Maltese Falcon” is widely available in many languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and many more.
| Book Editions | Check Now |
|---|---|
| English | Check Price |
| Spanish | Check Price |
| Chinese | Check Price |
About the Author
Dashiell Hammett (1894-1961) was an American author and screenwriter, best known for his hardboiled detective novels and short stories. He was born in Maryland and began his career as a Pinkerton detective agency operative. His experiences working as a private investigator provided him with the background and inspiration for many of his literary works.
Hammett’s most famous works include “The Maltese Falcon” (1930), “The Thin Man” (1934), “Red Harvest” (1929), and “The Glass Key” (1931). These novels and stories feature tough, no-nonsense detectives and portray a gritty, realistic view of crime and the criminal underworld. Hammett’s writing style is characterized by its spare, economical prose, and he is credited with helping to create the modern American crime novel.
Hammett’s works were hugely influential in the development of the hardboiled detective genre and continue to be widely read and adapted for film and television. Hammett was also a political activist and during the 1940s he was investigated by the FBI for his involvement with the Communist Party. He was jailed for several months for refusing to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee.
Hammett died in 1961 at the age of 66, but his legacy lives on through his books, which are considered classics of the detective genre. His work has influenced numerous authors and filmmakers and his writing style continues to be admired by readers and critics alike.
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FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)
What is The Maltese Falcon novel about?
The Maltese Falcon is a detective novel that follows private investigator Sam Spade as he becomes embroiled in a complex web of deceit and murder while trying to track down a valuable statue of a falcon.
Is The Maltese Falcon a good book?
The Maltese Falcon is widely considered a classic of the detective genre and is well-regarded for its tight plotting, well-developed characters, and atmospheric setting.
What does The Maltese Falcon symbolize?
The Maltese Falcon can symbolize greed, corruption, and the moral ambiguity of the characters.
Does The Maltese Falcon have a happy ending?
The Maltese Falcon does not have a traditional happy ending, as the main character is forced to betray the woman he loves in order to obtain the falcon.
Is The Maltese Falcon a true story?
The Maltese Falcon is a work of fiction and not a true story.
