Hammett, Dashiel [1894 - 1961] — The DAIN CURSE

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1929. 1st Book Edition (Layman A2.1.a). The novel was 1st published serially in Black Mask. Publisher's pale yellow cloth binding with red & black decorated spine, red skull & crossbones graphic to front board. Purple topstain. No dust jacket. Book now protected by a custom-cut clear mylar wrapper, and housed in a dark blue cloth slipcase. [10], 272, [6] pp. Skull & crossbones graphic to t.p. center. Crown 8vo. 7-5/8" x 5-1/8" Hammett tells this tale "in the first person, with his character The Continental Op investigating a theft of diamonds from the Leggett family of San Francisco. The plot involves a supposed curse on the Dain family, said to inflict sudden and violent deaths upon those in their vicinity. Edgar Leggett's wife is a Dain, as is his daughter Gabrielle. The detective untangles a web of robberies, lies and murder. It is discovered that Gabrielle Leggett is under the influence of a mysterious religious cult and is also addicted to morphine. Gabrielle escapes the cult and marries her fiancé Eric Collinson, but bloodshed continues to follow her. The Continental Op, on behalf of four successive clients, investigates the reason behind all the mysterious, violent events surrounding Gabrielle Leggett, which he eventually uncovers. The concluding chapters of the novel contain a detailed description of how the Op weans her from her drug habit, and the novel ends on a hopeful note." [Wiki]. Slight lean to volume, which shows average wear, soiling & age-toning, backstrip somewhat dull. Prior owner signature to ffep. A VG copy.