Mickey Spillane. Original Typescript Manuscript and Long Galley of The Big Kill. New York: E. P. Dutton & Company, 1951. Typescript measures 11 x 8.5 inches; long galley measuring approximately 23.5 x 7 inches. Loose sheets, a few pages of typescript with paper clips on upper corners. Both galley and manuscript somewhat dampstained affecting editor and author notations, sheets slightly cockled, margins mildly soiled, and edges a bit curled and worn with chips and short tears, no text affected. Typescript has light toning on sheets, a few corners creased. Long galley with two holes punched in upper portion of left margins, rubber stamp on upper left corner "Revise Sinclair," upper margins of pp. 10-22 heavily creased, large open tear on title page. A good set of materials that represent the editorial process of Spillane's fifth novel.

One of four Mike Hammer books published in a one year period, preceded by My Gun is Quick, Vengeance is Mine!, and One Lonely Night.

The plot opens on Mike Hammer witnessing the murder of a man named Decker, who leaves behind an infant child in the wake of his death. Hammer then goes on a mission of vengeance and mystery on behalf of the child, dealing with violent beatings and a pair of "dames" that catch Hammer's eye. Or, as many fans and critics alike might say, all the elements that make a Mickey Spillane novel what it is. From the estate of Mickey Spillane.