The Maltese Falcon

San Francisco: Arion Press, 1983. Hardcover. Fine. Hardcover. One of 400 copies printed under the direction of Andrew Hoyem, the press proprietor. It was the eleventh publication of the press. This copy is inscribed on the colophon: "To Joe Costello/29 VIII 83/Andrew Hoyem." This is a magnificent book from the Arion Press that more than does justice to this Hammett's novel. The preface describes this book as the apex of his work. The publishers write in a preface that "this edition is a tribute to Hammett's achievement. The design of the book reflect the spirit of the period in which it was written while giving its format an enduring presence. The forty-six illustrations are photographs of San Francisco Bay Area locations named or established by Hammett in the narrative. Most pictures were shot around the time of the actual setting of the story, five days during 1928." There are notes at the end of the book identifying each photo and its reference in the text." A few of the photographs are more recent and were provided by California photographer Edmund Shea. Bound by the Schuberth Bookbindery in gray cloth with a quarter leather black spine with silver titling. On the front and back covers are a striking and stylized image of a falcon done in black leather with silver trim and a red eye. Printed on Byron-Weston Linen Record paper using Bodoni semi-bold and Corvinus medium types. The photo-lithography was by Phelps-Schaefer. Housed in a gray cloth covered slipcase with a black leather spine label with silver titling. In fine condition. Measures 8.25 x 10.25 inches. 291 pages plus photographs. PRI/103124.