James Bond First Editions

'The Hildebrand Rarity' contained within 'Playboy' Magazine. Vol 7, No.3, March 1960.

FLEMING, Ian Lancaster (1908-1964).

Chicago: HMH Publishing Co., Inc., Playboy Building, 232 East Ohio Street, 1960. [Men's Magazine] FIRST APPEARANCE. Magazine format (28 x 21cm), pp.102. The story appears on pp.26–30, 48, 56, 92-101. With exclusive illustration. Publisher's colour-illustrated paper covers, priced at 50c. A clean, fine copy, housed in an elegant gilt-titled black cloth hardcover case. Bibliographer Jon Gilbert's copy (pencilled ownership within). Contains the first American appearance of this James Bond novelette together with an exclusive illustration and a brief biography and a photograph of the author (p.1) The story was later published as the fifth story in 'For Your Eyes Only' (April 1960). This appearance of The Hildebrand Rarity marks the long-term relationship between Fleming and Playboy magazine, and subsequent Fleming novels were serialised in the publication, which also conducted interviews with Fleming and would produce feature shoots of the 'Bond Girls' once the movie franchise was underway. Playboy founder Hugh Heffner welcomed the author and Bond's presence in his magazine, and following 'The Hildebrand Rarity' he wrote a letter of thanks to Fleming, offering his services and provision of hospitality at the Playboy mansion whenever Fleming was in town. The letter was displayed at the 'Bond Bound' exhibition, Mayfair, London, during Ian Fleming's Centenary year. Item #66320

Gilbert A8b, p.288.

Price: £295.00