Raymond Chandler Quotes

A collection of quotes by Raymond Chandler.

Raymond Chandler (1888-1959) was a renowned American-British author and screenwriter, best known for his contributions to the hardboiled detective genre. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Chandler moved to London with his mother after the death of his father. He was educated in England before moving back to the United States.

Chandler initially worked as an oil executive but turned to writing in his forties. His first published work, "Blackmailers Don't Shoot," appeared in 1933 in the pulp magazine "Black Mask," following which he became a regular contributor to the genre. Chandler's distinctive style, characterized by its complex plots, vivid descriptions, and hard-edged dialogue, revolutionized detective fiction.

His most famous creation, the iconic private detective Philip Marlowe, first appeared in "The Big Sleep" in 1939. Marlowe, with his moral compass and cynicism, quickly gained popularity, and Chandler went on to write numerous Philip Marlowe novels, including "Farewell, My Lovely" and "The Long Goodbye." Many of his works were adapted into successful films.

Chandler's writing had a profound impact on crime literature, reshaping the genre and influencing a generation of writers. His gritty and realistic portrayal of the darker side of society brought a new level of complexity to detective fiction, earning him a lasting reputation as one of the key figures in American crime writing. Raymond Chandler's contributions to the genre remain influential and widely appreciated to this day.