The Glass Key

Historical Context and Significance

«The Glass Key» by Dashiell Hammett, published in 1931, is one of the classic works of the noir and detective genre. The book significantly influenced the development of the genre with its unique style, complex characters, and intricate plot. Hammett, as one of the pioneers of the genre, introduced elements of realism and cynicism that became characteristic of noir. «The Glass Key» also impacted cinema, serving as the basis for several film adaptations that helped popularize noir in movies. Hammett's influence and his works, including «The Glass Key», are felt in the writings of many subsequent detective genre authors, such as Raymond Chandler and Ross Macdonald. The book remains an important part of cultural heritage, studied and analyzed as an example of mastery in creating tense and intriguing narratives.