This is mostly an anthology of his 1920s work sold to Black Mask (plus Colliers, Sunset, etc.). There are three stories that were not published until much later. The excellent introduction with Nolan citing his 'authenticity' as making 'Dashiell Hammett's work unique in the genre of mystery writing.' The seven Continental Op stories here reveal the author's mindset when he was a Pinkerton man.
"The staid English tradition of the tweedy gentleman detective was shattered, and murder bounced from the tea garden to the back alley."
"The staid English tradition of the tweedy gentleman detective was shattered, and murder bounced from the tea garden to the back alley."
