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Dashelle Hammett - Biography

Dashel Hammett Biography: The Life and Literary Legacy of Master Hardboield Detective

Dashel Hammett is a name that will forever remain associated with the hardboil detective genre and American crime literature. An American writer, he became one of the most influential authors of the 20th century and the creator of cult characters such as Sam Spade and Nick Kerruei. In this biography, we look at the life and work of Dashel Hammett, his influence on literature and the legacy he left behind in the world of literature and film.

Dashell Hammett was born on May 27, 1894 in Maryland, USA. His childhood was spent in disadvantaged conditions, and he grew up in a large and poor family. Already at a young age, he started working to support his family and left school at the age of 13. Despite the difficulties, Hammett was always passionate about reading and literature, and this became the starting point of his future career.

After leaving school, Dashell Hammett worked in various professions, including railway work and military service during World War I. At the end of the service, he got a job at the Pinkerton Detective Agency, where he spent several years. This work became a source of inspiration and experience for him, which he subsequently used in his works.

Dashell Hammett began his literary career by publishing his stories in The Smart Set magazine. He quickly caught the attention of readers and editors with his stylish and picturesque description of the criminal world and characters. He was also one of the first authors to take a hardboil approach in detective literature, creating heroes who were tough, cynical and realistic.

One of the more famous characters Hammett created is Sam Spade. He became the hero of the novel The Maltese Falcon, which became one of his most famous and successful works. This novel was also filmed and became a cult film starring Humphrey Bogart.