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Mystery & Thriller· United States

The Long Goodbye

by Raymond Chandler
Aggregate Editorial Score39/100
ALA Notable Books
Published 1953320 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Raymond Chandler's The Long Goodbye (1953) stands as one of the most significant works of mystery & thriller of its era. Philip Marlowe befriends Terry Lennox, a drunk who may be involved in his wife's murder, and is drawn into a double case of literary corruption and sexual intrigue. Chandler considered this his finest novel—more leisurely and elegiac than his earlier work. Themes of friendship, loyalty, corruption run through the work. The book has received recognition from ALA Notable Books 1953.

Book Details

AuthorRaymond Chandler
Published1953
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages320
Category🔍 Mystery & Thriller
ISBN9780394757681
Editorial Score39/100
About the Category

🔍 Mystery & Thriller

Suspenseful fiction built around crime, detection, and hidden truths.

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Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Raymond Chandler published The Long Goodbye in 1953, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of mystery & thriller from United States. The book's treatment of friendship, loyalty, corruption, Los Angeles accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Long Goodbye among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: ALA Notable Books 1953. Our aggregate score of 39/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. What distinguishes The Long Goodbye is how it handles its central concerns — friendship, loyalty, corruption, Los Angeles — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Within United States's literary landscape, Raymond Chandler occupies a significant position. The Long Goodbye is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

ALA Notable Books
notable · national
195310
✍️
About the Author
Raymond Chandler
United States
View Author →

Raymond Chandler is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of mystery thriller.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Long Goodbye about?

Philip Marlowe befriends Terry Lennox, a drunk who may be involved in his wife's murder, and is drawn into a double case of literary corruption and sexual intrigue. Chandler considered this his finest novel—more leisurely and elegiac than his earlier work.

Who wrote The Long Goodbye?

The Long Goodbye was written by Raymond Chandler, from United States. First published in 1953.

What awards has The Long Goodbye won?

The Long Goodbye has received the following awards and honours: ALA Notable Books 1953.

Is The Long Goodbye worth reading?

The Long Goodbye is a book that has earned critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 10/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in friendship, loyalty, corruption.

Where can I buy The Long Goodbye?

You can buy The Long Goodbye on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Long Goodbye?

The Long Goodbye is classified as Mystery & Thriller. Suspenseful fiction built around crime, detection, and hidden truths.

What country is The Long Goodbye from?

The Long Goodbye originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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