James Bond First Editions

The Achilles Affair.

MATHER, Berkely [pseudonym of John WESTON-DAVIES] (1909-1996).

London: Collins 1959. [Spy Thriller] FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY with superb, double-page inscription signed by the author. Octavo (19 x 13cm), pp.256. Publisher's hardback cloth binding in pictorial dust-jacket illustrated by John Rose, priced at 10/6. Inscribed by the author in blue ink to flyleaf:To Anne - and Jim / most flattered that such / a seasoned professional / should ask me to / sign a book for her / Berkely Mather. / Swanwick / - Aug. '59 [underlined twice]. On the opposite page with an arrow pointing to the recipient he notes' 'And I like 'em so / much I'll even / include Eric / -bless him. Contents clean, edges gently toned, bump to corner of rear cover, jacket with a few small chips and tears. Near fine. A rare book in first edition, especially signed. The first of two suspense novels featuring Peter Feltham, a former British Commando. Berkely Mather's novels were favourably reviewed by Ian Fleming for the Sunday Times, and, at Fleming's request, Mather later contributed to the screenplay for the first James Bond film 'Dr. No' (1962). This copy later formed part of the archive assembled by Jon Gilbert (pencil signature within). His comprehensive guide to the works of Ian Fleming (2012) won the 16th Breslauer Prize for bibliography. Item #67662

Gilbert D21.

Price: £975.00