ca. 1939. A 3-page author questionnaire, given to new authors by Alfred Knopf, and here filled out (via typewriter) by Chandler, likely at the time Knopf was publishing his first book, The Big Sleep (1939). Includes information such as name, birthplace and date, address, education, occupations, spouse, countries traveled, honors, hobbies and interests, and "Boswelliana." Here's Chandler on his hobbies: "Travel, reading, music. No organized games. Loathe bridge and golf and can't play tennis or squash anymore. Like tea drinking, pipe smoking, loathe drunks and don't drink at all. My secretary is an 18 lb. black Persian cat. Like to walk, but not hike, study wildlife, etc. Hell, I don't know what I like." Note: not signed. Chandler would have been about 50 at this time. A note is enclosed, initialed by Alfred A. Knopf, dated in 1945: "Raymond Chandler continues to request us -- and that is putting it mildly -- not to publish ever the date of his birth." This has been noted on the questionnaire as well. To the publisher's query about the background of his latest book, Chandler writes that "it's a great spot for a few bum wisecracks, but I'm leaving them out." Edge-sunned, with mild edge wear; previously folded in thirds; very good. [#036682] $10,000