James Bond First Editions

Stopover Tokyo.

MARQUAND, John. P (1893-1960).

London: Collins, 1957. [Thriller] FIRST EDITION. Octavo (21 x 15cm), pp.254. Publisher's blue cloth in original pictorial dust wrapper priced at 12/6. Some minor dustiness. A crisp, fine copy of this Mr. Moto mystery. Earl Derr Biggers' Chinese-American detective Charlie Chan was a popular success for the Post journal. When the author died, the magazine's editors searched for a writer who could create a similar sleuth. They offered a number of writers the chance to visit China to soak in the atmosphere and learn about the mysterious East first hand. J. P. Marquand took the trip, and the result was the Mr. Moto series. Read by Ian Fleming while researching for 'Dr. No' (1958), and mentioned in correspondence with his editor during the production phase (both Bond and Mr. Moto favoured the Beretta pistol). See Gilbert, A6a, p.196. This copy is from the comprehensive Bibliographical Archive assembled by Gilbert, with accompanying provenance (bookplate and pencilled signature). Item #65555

Price: £95.00