Exceptional "Mike Hammer" Inscription

Spillane, Mickey (1918–2006)

I, the Jury [Inscribed] [Noir High-Spot]

New York: E. P. Dutton, 1947. First Edition, First Printing. Hardcover with Dust Jacket.
A premier association copy of the debut novel that redefined American noir and introduced the world to Mike Hammer.
This copy features a remarkably personal inscription by Spillane, directly referencing the 1946 origin of the character and the enduring legacy of the 'Hammer'.

KEY FEATURES 
+++ Inscribed: Signed and inscribed by Mickey Spillane to Michael Preston on the front free endpaper: 'To Michael Preston—Great to say hello! Here is where it all got started on an old L.C. Smith typewriter in 1946 — and I’m the Hammer still goes on! Sincerely, Mickey Spillane'. 
+++ Content: The explosive debut introducing private investigator Mike Hammer, set against a gritty backdrop of post-war vengeance. 
+++ Binding: Original publisher’s black cloth with striking red-stamped lettering. 
+++ Dust Jacket: Correct first-state jacket featuring the 'Guilt Edge Mystery' logo and the original $2.50 price. +++ Imprint: First Edition, First Printing (Stated). 
+++ Specs: 9 x 6 inches / 218 pages.

CONDITION Very Good / Good -- Binding is tight and square with light rubbing to the spine tips and corners. The internal text block is remarkably clean with uniform toning. The dust jacket is unclipped ($2.50) but shows typical 'pulp' wear: modest edge chipping, small loss at the spine ends, and a light damp stain to the rear panel. Several internal tape mends are present along the folds; the jacket remains vibrant and presents well in a new Mylar sleeve.

Mickey Spillane, renowned as the ‘king of pulp fiction,’ made his mark with his debut novel introducing private investigator Mike Hammer. Known for his gritty tales of relentless vengeance, Spillane captivated readers with Hammer's unyielding pursuit of justice amidst a backdrop of money laundering and Communist intrigue.

Spillane's writing style was distinguished by its terse prose, rapid pacing, gritty sexuality, and explosive conclusions. His influence extended to the 1953 film adaptation of his hardboiled detective classic, starring Biff Elliot, Preston Foster, and Peggy Castle. [Adapted from ref.]

Published by Dutton under its Guilt Edge Mystery imprint, I, the Jury launched Spillane’s career and redefined post-war American noir with its brutal pace and moral absolutism. The novel sold over six million copies within its first decade and inspired multiple screen adaptations. Spillane’s terse, cinematic style influenced generations of pulp and detective writers, cementing Mike Hammer as one of the genre’s defining figures.

Subjects: Private investigators, Post-war America, Noir literature, Pulp fiction, Signed first editions, Mystery fiction, Detective fiction, Hard-boiled crime fiction

Ref: Ahearn, 616; Johnson, 172

Item #21576

Price: $3,200.00