Dashiell Hammett

Active

Crime Fiction Detective Fiction Noir 20th-century American male writers 20th-century American novelists 20th-century American screenwriters 20th-century American short story writers American Noir writers American Roman Catholic writers American copywriters American detective fiction writers American male novelists American male short story writers American mystery writers Lost Generation writers Novelists from Maryland Pulp fiction writers Screenwriters from Maryland Writers of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction

Dashiell Hammett was an American author of hard-boiled detective novels who revolutionized crime fiction. His realistic portrayal of crime and corruption, drawn from his experience as a private detective, influenced generations of mystery writers.

Books

Years Active

Awards

27h

Reading Time

📋 Author Details

Years Active: 1894 - 1961

Nationality: American

Total Books: 5

First Published: 1929

Best-Selling Book: The Maltese Falcon

Born: St. Mary's County, Maryland, USA

Education: Baltimore Polytechnic Institute

Genres: Crime Fiction , Detective Fiction , Noir , 20th-century American male writers , 20th-century American novelists , 20th-century American screenwriters , 20th-century American short story writers , American Noir writers , American Roman Catholic writers , American copywriters , American detective fiction writers , American male novelists , American male short story writers , American mystery writers , Lost Generation writers , Novelists from Maryland , Pulp fiction writers , Screenwriters from Maryland , Writers of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction

📚 Notable Works

✍️ Writing Style & Analysis

Hammett's writing style is spare and realistic, featuring tough protagonists and morally ambiguous situations. His dialogue is sharp and authentic, reflecting his experience with real criminals and police work.

WRITING CHARACTERISTICS

🎨 Themes & Literary Influences

Major Themes

Crime and corruption Urban alienation Moral ambiguity Money and greed Justice vs. law

Literary Influences

💭 Memorable Quotes

"The problem with putting two and two together is that sometimes you get four, and sometimes you get twenty-two."

— Dashiell Hammett

"I distrust a man who says when. If he's got to be careful not to drink too much it's because he's not to be trusted when he does."

— Dashiell Hammett