Scarce first edition of Chandler's fourth book with only 6,000 copies produced. Features the private eye Philip Marlowe in Chandler's famous and popular hard-boiled mystery series, which helped redefine the entire mystery genre. Chandler's books have become true classics and read as much for their vivid descriptions of Los Angeles in the 1930's and 1940's as for their complicated and engaging plots. "The Lady in the Lake" was published under paper restrictions for the war effort and therefore makes this a much more difficult title to fine in collectible condition. Bruccoli, IV-1a.