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A year-long tribute to Raymond Chandler
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Today marks the 50th anniversary of the death of probably one of the most influential authors of the 20th Century (and one of LA’s most notable literary sons): Raymond Chandler (1888-1959)
I must admit that I was not originally familiar with Chandler’s work. There is such a vast collection of work between classics and new releases that I somehow missed this important figure in Los Angeles literature. Given his importance, I embark today on a year-long journey to discover Raymond Chandler.*
Let’s start at the beginning.
Born in Chicago, Chandler traveled throughout Europe before settling in Los Angeles in 1924. Although he became a prolific writer, he, like many, kept his day job until he was forced to pursue his passion. In 1932, he was fired from his job as a bookkeeper and the professional writer was born of necessity.
His first short story, Blackmailers Don’t Shoot, opened the way for his freshman novel, The Big Sleep (1939) and his franchise character was born. Philip Marlowe is a private detective set in 1930s Los Angeles. Marlowe became the centerpiece of Chandler’s body of work – becoming almost as famous as Chandler himself.
Chandler is said to have loved mystery writing. “He wrote like a slumming angel and invested the sun-blinded streets of Los Angeles with a wonderful gusto and imaginative flair,” remarked Ross Macdonald. Since his love of mystery is most evident in The Big Sleep, I thought it appropriate to start my journey there.
In The Big Sleep, Chandler introduces us to Marlowe using a sordid tale of murder, pornography, homosexuality, and drugs. Can you believe such a blistering book in the 1930s? I couldn’t: I was mesmerized.
The book opens when Marlowe visits the home of General Sternwood, a skeletal, shadowy figure who has two flighty daughters (Vivian and Carmen) that stay in trouble. Although the General has enough money to keep them safe, it’s his money that allows them to live the Life of Riley.
An extortionist’s letter causes the General to hire Marlowe. As Marlowe begins his pursuit, he finds the porn-peddling blackmailer murdered and the only eyewitness: a naked Carmen Sternwood, the 20-year old infantile daughter of the General. After a number of twists and turns, Marlowe finds the blackmailer’s murderer and discovers a few other victims along the way.
Although the story has exceptional intrigue and unexpected cliffhangers, the story was less fantastic to me than Chandler’s technique. Chandler’s writing style is unique in that he never quite states the obvious. For instance, he describes the pornography as “arty photographs,” “elaborate smut” and “indescribable filth.” He was a bit more exact in his description of a bisexual in the book, but cryptic nonetheless: “He was like Caesar, a husband to women and a wife to men.” Chandler was quite comfortable with his use of language to tell the story. It seemed neither forced nor wordy; just a natural narrative from a gifted storyteller.
I was ultimately quite impressed with my first Chandler novel. It had everything a mystery novel should – villains, trickery, and suspense – as well as a few seedy things one wouldn’t expect from a 70-year old tale. Just goes to show you: there’s nothing new under the literary sun!
*As I started this look at Raymond Chandler, I realized there is so much to this literary giant: short stories, novels, films, poetry -- simply too much for one column! So over the course of the next year, I will publish a new Chandler feature on the 26th of each month. Be sure to check back next month for my newest Chandler discovery, and please email me with your thoughts on this year-long tribute. Tell me about your favorite Chandler book, movie or short story. I look forward to hearing all about it!
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