Overview
The item is clearly identified by its title page and cover as a 'Motion Picture Edition' (photoplay) of 'The Big Sleep' published by The World Publishing Company under their Forum Books imprint.
Identification
The Big Sleep Photoplay Edition by Raymond Chandler
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
This edition was published in 1946 by The World Publishing Company under their Forum Books imprint. It was specifically released as a 'Motion Picture Edition' to capitalize on the release of the legendary Warner Bros. film adaptation directed by Howard Hawks. The secondary market for mid-20th-century photoplay editions remains active, driven by crossover appeal between classic literature collectors and cinema enthusiasts.
Maker / Origin
The World Publishing Company
Condition & Value
Based on the provided context, the item is a vintage hardcover. The presence and condition of the original dust jacket is the single largest variable; copies lacking the jacket or showing heavy spine chipping will fall to the lower end of the valuation range.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The secondary market for mid-20th-century photoplay editions remains active, driven by crossover appeal between classic literature collectors and cinema enthusiasts. Raymond Chandler's works, particularly those associated with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, hold strong nostalgic and collectible value. While pristine copies with intact dust jackets move quickly at a premium, average reading copies see slower turnover and trade in the lower double digits.
Value Drivers
▲ Exact 1946 Forum Books photoplay edition, highly sought after by noir cinema fans.
▲ Verified AbeBooks comp at $56 establishes a solid floor for average-condition copies.
▲ Near-fine Etsy comp at $150 confirms the upper-tier potential for well-preserved examples.
Concerns
▼ Unverified dust jacket presence — missing the original jacket typically reduces vintage book values by 40-60%.
Best Venue
For a streamlined sale, list this volume on a dedicated vintage book platform like AbeBooks or a broad marketplace like eBay. If the book is in Very Good to Near Fine condition, price optimistically near the $100-$120 mark, highlighting the Bogart/Bacall photo inserts in the listing title. If the dust jacket is missing or the boards show heavy wear, a fast-sale price of $40-$50 is more appropriate.
Upside Potential
If the book retains its original, unclipped dust jacket in near-fine condition with minimal edge wear, the value could exceed the $150 high estimate, as pristine complete copies of this specific photoplay edition are scarce.