James Bond First Editions

Prisoners of Hope.

CALVERT, Michael [FLEMING, Peter, foreword].

London: Jonathan Cape, 1952. [Military History] FIRST EDITION. Octavo (22 x 14cm), pp.303; [1], blank. With photographic illustrations and five folding maps, printed in colour. Elegantly hand bound in half burgundy calf over cloth-covered sides, gilt lettered to spine in six compartments. Contents clean and fresh, exterior unmarked. A fine copy in an attractive recent leather binding. With a foreword by Col. Peter Fleming, Head of D Division [Military Deception], Southeast Asia. An account of the exploits of Brigadier 'Mad Mike' Calvert, DSO & Bar (1913-1998), the fearless special operations commando who spearheaded Long Range Penetration Groups ('Chindits') in Burma. He characteristically led from the front, a practice which earned him his nickname. Such actions led to his appointment as Commander of the S.A.S. Brigade, 1944-5. His book is likened to Fitzroy Maclean's Eastern Approaches and Popski's Private Army as established classics of unconventional and disruptive warfare. This copy is from the comprehensive espionage collection assembled by Jon Gilbert, with pencil ownership. Item #73429

Price: £195.00