One of Raymond Chandler’s Greatest Stories / First Edition Above
Begin the Beguine (from 1938)
Today, just a handful of days before 2024 the presidential election. There is a strong tension in the air and you see it pop out now and then. With others. With yourself. The anxiety level of Americans is at an all time high.
I’m reminded of the opening of one of my favorite stories from Raymond Chandler. It was 1938 and the end of his short story writing his upcoming novel (and fame) The Big Sleep of 1939. This great short story begins with the following paragraph:
“There was a desert wind blowing that night. It was one of those hot dry Santa Anas that come down through the mountain passes and curls your hair and makes your nerves jump and your skin itch. On nights like that every booze party ends in a fight. Meek little wives feel the edge of a carving knife and study their husband’s necks. Anything can happen. You can even get a full glass of beer at a cocktail lounge.”
Detective Philip Marlowe is there to just get a glass of beer. He lives right across the street.
Read the beautiful tribute article to Raymond Chandler’s short story “Red Wind” below. The life of the author is inspiring. The power of literature still has a magical power. For some. Sometimes. Might it ever return to it’s once glory days: a little wiser than when literature left its old home?
Read the entire story in PDF below. One of the great ones of American literature.