Books like Raymond Chandler by Tom Hiney

Thomas Hiney’s biography offers an uncensored portrait of Raymond Chandler, the author of classic mystery novels such as The Big Sleep and The Long Goodbye. Drawing on newly uncovered archival materials—personal papers, correspondence, and first‑hand accounts—the book charts Chandler’s early years in Nebraska, his studies in England, and his navigation of the corrupt streets of Los Angeles. It follows his rise to prominence as a novelist and screenwriter during Hollywood’s studio heyday, while also delving into his battles with alcohol addiction, his friendships with notable figures including Howard Hawks, "Lucky" Luciano, S.J. Perelman, and Alfred Hitchcock, and the complexities of his thirty‑year marriage to Cissy, a woman seventeen years his senior. Hiney’s narrative illuminates Chandler’s inspirations and creative process, contextualizing the enduring impact of his works, which have sold over five million copies, been translated into twenty‑five languages, and inspired countless imitators.

First publish date: 1997