# Is "Black Mask (pulp magazine)" by various (Hammett, Chandler, et al.) a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Black Mask (pulp magazine) by various (Hammett, Chandler, et al.) (Pro-Distributors / Popular Publications, 1920 onward) is identified by: The seminal hardboiled-crime pulp. Original issues are the first appearances of these landmark texts; no edition states.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- The seminal hardboiled-crime pulp
- Key collectible issues by date/contents: the serialization of Hammett's 'The Maltese Falcon' (1929-30) and 'Red Harvest,' and Raymond Chandler's first published story 'Blackmailers Don't Shoot' (Dec
- Single printing per issue; identification by cover date, volume/number and contents
- Publisher imprint reads Pro-Distributors / Popular Publications
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | various (Hammett, Chandler, et al.) |
| Publisher | Pro-Distributors / Popular Publications |
| Year | 1920 onward |
| True first | — |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | The seminal hardboiled-crime pulp |
| Book-club edition exists? | No |

## Points of issue
The seminal hardboiled-crime pulp. Key collectible issues by date/contents: the serialization of Hammett's 'The Maltese Falcon' (1929-30) and 'Red Harvest,' and Raymond Chandler's first published story 'Blackmailers Don't Shoot' (Dec. 1933). Single printing per issue; identification by cover date, volume/number and contents.

## Is this the true first?
Original issues are the first appearances of these landmark texts; no edition states. Value depends on the specific issue's first appearances and condition.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club analog. Distinguish original issues from rebound volumes and reprints; correct date and intact original wraps define the collectible first.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Black Mask (pulp magazine)* by various (Hammett, Chandler, et al.) a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/black-mask-pulp-magazine
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-04.