Sotheby's To Auction Raymond Chandler's Personal Collection of His Own Books and Papers

Raymond Chandler

The New York Times reports that Sotheby's will host an auction of Raymond Chandler books and personal documents. Available items include important works, notably Chandler's screenplay for The Blue Dahlia, and autographed books. If I had the money, I would bid on a copy of The Big Sleep, inscribed by Chandler to himself, with the mordant comment "For me without my compliments."

The Chandler treasures come from the collection of Jean Vounder-Davis, the author's fiancee and secretary. The oddball item in the group is Chandler's copy of a work by Albert Camus, given to him by Blanche Knopf. Sotheby's estimate on this piece is between $1,000 and $1,500.

The auction is not limited to Chandler's works. There are some wonderful first editions from modern authors, and autographed letters from painters such as Claude Monet and John Constable. For more information about the December 13th auction, the Sotheby's site is the place to go.