The Asphalt Jungle

About this book

So successful in evoking the citys aura that the reader breathes the air of menace that emanates from its implacable personality and shivers at the unmistakeable evidence that blind chance plays a considerable part in determining the course of every life within the citys confines - New York Times The Asphalt Jungle is a gripping tale of the planning and execution of a jewellery store heist in a dark and corrupt Midwestern metropolis. Set amid a seedy urban wasteland of crooks killers and con-artists the various members of the gang are steadily undone by personal obsessions double-crossing and cruel fate. First published in 1949 W.R. Burnetts hardboiled classic was made into the definitive heist movie by John Huston in 1950 starring Sterling Hayden Sam Jaffe and Marilyn Monroe. Its screenplay co-written by Huston was nominated for an Oscar. A master and pioneer of the gangster genre W.R. Burnett is the author of over thirty novels - including Little Caesar and High Sierra - and sixty screenplays. He was twice nominated for Academy Awards.