# The Big Sleep

> novel by Raymond Chandler

**Wikidata**: [Q1649862](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1649862)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Sleep)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-big-sleep-q1649862

## Summary
*The Big Sleep* is a 1939 novel by Raymond Chandler, published by Alfred A. Knopf. It is a crime fiction work set in the United States, continuing the story of private investigator Philip Marlowe from *Farewell, My Lovely*. The novel was recognized as one of *Le Monde*'s 100 Books of the Century.

## Key Facts
- A literary work written for enjoyment or edification.
- Published by Alfred A. Knopf, an American publishing house founded in 1915.
- Part of the crime fiction genre, focusing on crime as a central theme.
- Set in the United States, the country that declared independence on July 4, 1776.
- Written by Raymond Chandler, an American novelist and screenwriter (1888–1959).
- Follows the adventures of private investigator Philip Marlowe, introduced in *Farewell, My Lovely*.
- Published in 1939.
- Included in *Le Monde*'s 100 Books of the Century, a list of influential works from the 20th century.
- Has 33 Wikipedia sitelinks, indicating broad recognition across language editions.

## FAQs
**What genre does *The Big Sleep* belong to?**
*The Big Sleep* is a crime fiction novel, a genre that explores criminal activities and their consequences through literature, film, and theater.

**Who is the author of *The Big Sleep*?**
The novel was written by Raymond Chandler, an American novelist and screenwriter known for his detective stories.

**Where was *The Big Sleep* published?**
Alfred A. Knopf, an American publishing house established in 1915, published *The Big Sleep*.

**What is the setting of *The Big Sleep*?**
The novel is set in the United States, a country that gained independence on July 4, 1776.

**What awards has *The Big Sleep* received?**
The novel was included in *Le Monde*'s 100 Books of the Century, a prestigious list of influential works from the 20th century.

## Why It Matters
*The Big Sleep* is significant as a foundational work in crime fiction, continuing the story of Philip Marlowe, one of literature’s most enduring private investigators. Its inclusion in *Le Monde*'s 100 Books of the Century underscores its cultural impact. As a product of Alfred A. Knopf, it reflects the publishing industry’s role in shaping literary history. The novel’s setting in the United States provides a backdrop for Chandler’s exploration of crime and morality, contributing to the genre’s enduring appeal.

## Notable For
- Being part of *Le Monde*'s 100 Books of the Century, a list of the most influential works of the 20th century.
- Continuing the story of Philip Marlowe, a character introduced in *Farewell, My Lovely*.
- Published by Alfred A. Knopf, a major American publishing house with a long history in literary publishing.
- Set in the United States, a country with a rich history of crime fiction and detective storytelling.

## Body
### Overview
*The Big Sleep* is a 1939 novel by Raymond Chandler, published by Alfred A. Knopf. It is the second book in the Philip Marlowe series, following *Farewell, My Lovely*. The novel is classified as a literary work and falls under the crime fiction genre, which focuses on crime as a central theme. Set in the United States, the novel explores themes of corruption, mystery, and detective work.

### Publication and Recognition
Alfred A. Knopf, an American publishing house founded in 1915, published *The Big Sleep*. The novel has been recognized for its literary merit, being included in *Le Monde*'s 100 Books of the Century, a list of the most influential works of the 20th century. This recognition highlights the novel’s cultural significance and enduring appeal.

### Author and Setting
Raymond Chandler, an American novelist and screenwriter born in 1888 and deceased in 1959, wrote *The Big Sleep*. The novel is set in the United States, a country that declared independence on July 4, 1776. Chandler’s work often explored themes of crime, morality, and the human condition, making *The Big Sleep* a key example of his contributions to literature.

### Genre and Influence
As a crime fiction novel, *The Big Sleep* contributes to a genre that has shaped popular culture through literature, film, and theater. The novel’s inclusion in *Le Monde*'s 100 Books of the Century reflects its influence on global literature. The character of Philip Marlowe, introduced in *Farewell, My Lovely*, continues to be a symbol of detective fiction, with *The Big Sleep* further cementing his legacy.

### Connections and Context
*The Big Sleep* is preceded by *Farewell, My Lovely*, another novel by Raymond Chandler. Both works are part of the Philip Marlowe series, which has had a lasting impact on crime fiction. The novel’s setting in the United States provides a backdrop for Chandler’s exploration of crime and morality, contributing to the genre’s enduring appeal. Alfred A. Knopf’s publication of *The Big Sleep* reflects the publishing house’s role in shaping literary history.

## References

1. MusicBrainz
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](https://archive.org/details/perchancetodream00park_0)
4. Goodreads