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Mystery & Thriller· United States

The Maltese Falcon

by Dashiell Hammett
Aggregate Editorial Score52/100
★Edgar Award
Published 1930254 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Few works of mystery & thriller have earned the sustained critical attention that The Maltese Falcon (1930) by Dashiell Hammett continues to receive. Private detective Sam Spade takes on a case involving a beautiful woman and a priceless black statuette. Hammett's masterpiece, which introduced Spade and created the template for the hard-boiled detective novel, is considered the greatest crime novel ever written. Themes of greed, deception, detective run through the work. The book has received recognition from Edgar Award 1930.

Book Details

AuthorDashiell Hammett
Published1930
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages254
Category🔍 Mystery & Thriller
ISBN9780679722649
Editorial Score52/100
About the Category

🔍 Mystery & Thriller

Suspenseful fiction built around crime, detection, and hidden truths.

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Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Dashiell Hammett published The Maltese Falcon in 1930, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of mystery & thriller from United States. The book's treatment of greed, deception, detective, noir accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Maltese Falcon among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Edgar Award 1930. Our aggregate score of 52/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of The Maltese Falcon lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of greed, deception, detective, noir is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within United States's literary landscape, Dashiell Hammett occupies a significant position. The Maltese Falcon is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Edgar Award
winner · genre
193042
✍️
About the Author
Dashiell Hammett
United States
View Author →

Dashiell Hammett is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of mystery thriller.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Maltese Falcon about?

Private detective Sam Spade takes on a case involving a beautiful woman and a priceless black statuette. Hammett's masterpiece, which introduced Spade and created the template for the hard-boiled detective novel, is considered the greatest crime novel ever written.

Who wrote The Maltese Falcon?

The Maltese Falcon was written by Dashiell Hammett, from United States. First published in 1930.

What awards has The Maltese Falcon won?

The Maltese Falcon has received the following awards and honours: Edgar Award 1930.

Is The Maltese Falcon worth reading?

The Maltese Falcon is a notable work that has earned critical attention, with an aggregate editorial score of 42/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in greed, deception, detective.

Where can I buy The Maltese Falcon?

You can buy The Maltese Falcon on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Maltese Falcon?

The Maltese Falcon is classified as Mystery & Thriller. Suspenseful fiction built around crime, detection, and hidden truths.

What country is The Maltese Falcon from?

The Maltese Falcon originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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