James Bond First Editions

Pleasure Island. The Book of Jamaica.

[Ian Fleming / Bondiana] CHAPMAN, Esther, editor.

Kingston, Jamaica, BWI: Arawak Press, 1955. [Travel] REVISED EDITION, third overall. Octavo (21 x 14cm), pp.316; [1]. Illustrated throughout with photographs and a colour map. Publisher's clothbound hardcovers in illustrated dust-wrapper priced at 21s. A clean, fine copy in a gently used jacket with one tear at crown. James Bond novelist Ian Fleming refers to this book (and borrowed the title) in his travel article 'Pleasure Islands' (Spectator, 4th July 1952). He also reviewed it for The Sunday Times (1st June 1952) under the heading 'West Indian'. Fleming, who is mentioned in person on p.142, was a prominent resident of the island and set several of his thrillers there. This particular example is from the comprehensive archive assembled by Jon Gilbert (pencil signature within). His encyclopaedic guide to the works of Ian Fleming (2012) won the 16th Breslauer Prize for bibliography. Item #69852

See Gilbert, C31.

Price: £85.00