James Bond First Editions

Photographic Archive of Geoffrey Boothroyd (the real life 'Q'), with related material.

[Ian Fleming / Bondiana] BOOTHROYD, Geoffrey (1925-2001).

Glasgow, 1950s-80s. [Firearms / James Bond book reference] Collection of sixty original copyright photographs of firearms, [with:] six copies of the author's own titles, [with:] His bespoke Italian cufflink and tie-pin set with retractable penknives and scissors, in velvet-covered case [and:] Two photographic portraits of Boothroyd and photographs of Mrs Boothroyd. Each of the volumes from his library are signed or inscribed (given away/presented) and four have the author's bookplate. A working archive showing some signs of use, occasional browning or curl, ink stamps to reverse side. Overall very good, housed in a cloth covered card box with printed label. THE ARCHIVE OF THE MAN THAT CHOSE BOND'S WEAPON; THE REAL LIFE 'Q'. Geoffrey Boothroyd was a British expert on firearms who wrote several standard reference works on the subject. He first wrote to Fleming in 1956, recommending that he replace James Bond's Beretta ("a lady's gun") with the Walther PPK, and providing vital insights on shoulder holsters. As a result of this, in From Russia, With Love, the Beretta catches in Bond's waistband and prevents him from drawing the gun on Rosa Klebb, with dire consequences. From Dr. No onwards, the Beretta was no more. Boothroyd's correspondence with Fleming continued, and a mutual admiration grew, leading to the former becoming Fleming's technical advisor on munitions and a proof reader for the rest of the series. Dubbed 'Armourer to 007' by Fleming, he was immortalised in print as quartermaster 'Major Boothroyd', and in film as 'Q', the man responsible for all of 007's guns, cars and gadgets. Later part of the comprehensive bibliographical archive assembled by Jon Gilbert, with catalogue description. His encyclopaedic guide to the works of Ian Fleming (2012) won the 16th Breslauer Prize for bibliography. Item #71563

Gilbert, p.635.

Price: £4,500.00