HAMMETT, Dashiell (pseudonym of HAMMETT, Samuel Dashiell (1894-1961)). The Dain Curse. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1929. 8vo. [2, blank], [viii], [1]-[273], [5, blank] pp. Publisher's full yellow cloth, boards and spine decoratively stamped in red and black (spine a bit sunned, some toning, mild soiling to binding, endleaves a bit toned and lightly thumbsoiled, title-page and facing page with offsetting from a previous paper item, a few gutters somewhat overopened, occasional minor soiling in text). Near fine.FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY HAMMETT ON THE FRONT BLANK: ?For Scott Cunningham with best regards Dashiell Hammett February 18 ? 1930". With Cunningham's bookplate on the fp. Cunningham was a collector of hardboiled detective novels, with other books from his collection having appeared at auction. The Dain Curse was Hammett's second published novel, previously serialized in Black Mask Magazine. This was the second story featuring Hammett's detective, The Continental Op. It was adapted in 1978 by CBS for a television miniseries, directed by E. W. Swackhamer, starring James Coburn as The Continental Op (renamed for the series as ?Hamilton Nash"), Hector Elizondo, and a pre-Star Trek appearance of Brent Spiner. This miniseries received three Emmy nominations and won the 1978 Edgar Award for Best Television Feature or Miniseries.Measurements: 10"L x 9"W x 2"H.