The Maltese Falcon: The “1943” Edition
A legendary hardboiled mystery meets one of the greatest military publishing traditions in American history
This release, The “1943” Edition, serves as a faithful tribute to the Armed Services Editions (ASE) of World War II. Between 1943 and 1947, this historic initiative printed and distributed over 120 million lightweight, pocket-sized paperbacks to troops fighting overseas. These books were read to pieces, traded for rations, and hoarded by servicemen across the globe, providing a crucial morale boost and shaping a generation of readers.
While the original ASE catalog was packed with classic mystery fiction, Dashiell Hammett’s landmark 1929 masterpiece, The Maltese Falcon, was famously left out. We consider that historical omission a major oversight.
To right that wrong, the Field Notes Brand Books imprint is proud to present the original text of The Maltese Falcon exactly as it was first serialized in Black Mask magazine, packaged in the iconic, horizontal ASE format. This release marks the very first new Armed Services Edition produced since the historic program officially ended in 1947.
Product Features & Historical Specifications:
- Authentic ASE Design: Engineered in the distinct, compact, and horizontal format designed to fit perfectly into a WWII uniform cargo pocket.
- The Definitive Serialization: Features the gritty, original text of Dashiell Hammett's private eye masterpiece as it originally debuted to the public.
- Premium Practicality: Lightweight, highly durable, and built to be carried anywhere, staying true to the utilitarian spirit of wartime publishing.
- A Collector's Milestone: The first official entry into the ASE lineage in nearly eighty years, making it an essential piece for book lovers, history buffs, and stationery collectors alike.
Slip a piece of publishing history into your pocket and experience the gritty streets of San Francisco through a legendary wartime lens.