A comprehensive study guide offering in-depth explanation, essay, and test prep for Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon, who is considered one of the best detective-story writers in America. As an author of action-detective novels, Hammett wrote legendary characters which were eventually turned into movie, radio, and TV drama figures. Moreover, his work explored complex themes such as logic prevailing over crime and the place of order in human life. This Bright Notes Study Guide explores the context and history of Hammett's classic work, helping students to thoroughly explore the reasons it has stood the literary test of time. Each Bright Notes Study Guide contains: - Introductions to the Author and the Work - Character Summaries - Plot Guides - Section and Chapter Overviews - Test Essay and Study Q&As The Bright Notes Study Guide series offers an in-depth tour of more than 275 classic works of literature, exploring characters, critical commentary, historical background, plots, and themes. This set of study guides encourages readers to dig deeper in their understanding by including essay questions and answers as well as topics for further research.