Reading The Long Good-Bye I was startled to be reminded that Marlowe smokes a pipe. Can't think of anyone playing him in the movies with that level of authenticity. Even in the 1950s it couldn't have been considered cool as a habit. I suppose Chandler must have smoked one and given the habit to his alter ego - just as he gives his drinking to a whole range of characters. It's as obsessive a topic here as it is anywhere in Hemingway, and that's saying something.
I can't think of the last time I was actually in the company of someone smoking a pipe. How fashions in damaging ourselves change, eh? Mind you, I can't see the demon drink going out of fashion soon - more's the pity.
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