Books

London: Jonathan Cape, 1953. [Spy thriller] FIRST EDITION, Second Impression, bibliographer's copy. Octavo (20 x 13cm), pp.218; [2], blank. Publisher's black cloth-effect paper over boards, decorated with heart motif to upper, lettered in red to spine, lower edge untrimmed, housed in a leather-spined clamshell box. A working copy showing much use and associated handling, some copy editing and marking, soiling to lower portion of some leaves, browning to edges of text block, recased in publisher's boards, secondary title has been washed (presumably when recased). Text is complete. Provided with a later plain brown paper jacket with printed labels, made for ready-reference purposes. Jon Gilbert's file copy, with his pencilled notes, bookplate and ownership signature. His comprehensive guide to the works of Ian Fleming (2012) won the 16th Breslauer Prize for bibliography. The novel which introduced the world to British secret agent James Bond 007. Gilbert, Jon. Ian Fleming: The…

"Casino Royale," penned by Ian Fleming and published in 1953, introduces readers to James Bond, the iconic British spy known for his charm, wit, and penchant for danger. The story unfolds as Bond is assigned a mission to bankrupt Le Chiffre, a Soviet agent and treasurer for a criminal syndicate, at a high-stakes baccarat game in the Casino Royale in France. Bond navigates a treacherous world of espionage, encountering deceit, betrayal, and violence while trying to outwit Le Chiffre. Along the way, he crosses paths with Vesper Lynd, a complex and enigmatic woman whose involvement complicates his mission. As Bond confronts perilous situations and faces adversaries, he must rely on his cunning and resourcefulness to emerge victorious in this thrilling tale of espionage and intrigue.