James Bond First Editions

From Russia, With Love.

FLEMING, Ian Lancaster (1908-1964).

London: Jonathan Cape, 1957. [Thriller] FIRST EDITION. An unusual pre-publication association/presentation copy with signed inscription by Ian Fleming's literary editor William Plomer to A. Franklyn. Octavo (19 x 13cm), pp.253; [3]. Publisher's black cloth-effect material over boards, blocked in silver and red metallic foil to spine and upper. Binding 'A' (Fabroleen cloth), pictorial jacket by Richard chopping in final proof state with unclipped corners. Inscribed on 6th April (pencilled by the owner), two days before the date of release. Some spotting to edges and first and final gatherings, externally fine. Very good, similarly used jacket supplied, with chip to crown. William Plomer (1903-73), was a senior reader at Jonathan Cape Ltd., and one of Fleming's most trusted friends. He was instrumental in getting Casino Royale published and read and advised on each successive Fleming manuscript. He was unofficially Fleming's Editor-in Chief, and the novel Goldfinger is dedicated to him [Gilbert, p.650]. This copy was later part of the comprehensive James Bond collection of bibliographer Jon Gilbert, with accompanying provenance. Item #65430

Gilbert A5a (1.1).

Price: £6,750.00