I would recommend picking up the Lost Stories: Dashiell Hammett.
http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Stories-Ace-Performer-
Collection/dp/0972589813/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233258569&sr=1-1
Not only to get an overview of Hammett's writing career from inception to mastery, but also
because editor Vince Emory gives an excellent biographical and historical perspective on why
Dashiell Hammett was integral in the creation of Hard-boiled literature.
In particular look at Hammett's early short story "The Road Home" for the genesis of the
hardboiled mystery story. It was one of the first stories to feature tough, colloquial dialogue
and emphasize the pursuit of criminals over the traditional solution of the mystery.
The book skimps on Hammett's works but its brevity makes it easier to pinpoint what made
Hammett new and vital.
--Chan
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