James Bond First Editions

Affair at Quala.

HELMORE, Thomas.

London: Jonathan Cape, 1964. [Thriller] FIRST UK EDITION, uncorrected proof copy. Octavo (19 x 13cm), pp.253; [3], blank. Publisher's red softcovers with blurb on label pasted to upper, top edge blue. PROOF-ONLY dust-wrapper with provisional details hand-stamped to rear flap. The proof jacket varies from the published wrapper in that it is not laminated, is oversized (height) and the wrappers are not angle cut. A few minor marks, unsupported area of jacket pushed as expected, one short tear at foot, toned to edges. Near fine. Scarce in proof. A San Francisco-based mystery, this novel was read by Ian Fleming in proof-form, potentially for review; curiously, characters in this book include John Bryce, Hammond and Mathis, all of whose names had previously been used by Fleming in his spy series. This copy is from the comprehensive James Bond collection assembled by Jon Gilbert (pencilled notes and signature within). His comprehensive guide to the works of Ian Fleming (2012) won the 16th Breslauer Prize for bibliography. Item #65576

See Gilbert, Section L, pp.632 (this actual copy being photographed).

Price: £100.00