Didn't Get Smothered

          In spite of his quirks and crotchets, there was a lot that was admirable about Raymond Chandler, both as man and writer. He learned a new craft in his 40's, he was past 50 when his first novel was published. And when his books sold, and Hollywood held out it's arms, he accepted the embrace but didn't get smothered in it. He remained fascinated by the sound and cadence of words and by the art of putting them together. He took his work seriously and helped to make other people take it seriously too.

The Case of Raymond Chandler
Julian Symons
New York Times
1973