Books

1957. London: Jonathan Cape 1957. Crown 8vo., original black cloth, lettered in silver and red to spine and with gun and rose motif in black and red to upper cover; unclipped classic Richard Chopping dustwrapper; pp. 253, [iii]; a near-fine copy, one small bump to corner of upper boards, previous owner's inscription to front pastedown; jacket with a small strip of toning to lower edges of panels. First edition. Fifth novel by Fleming, written in 1956 at his Goldeneye estate in Jamaica. At the time he thought it might be his final Bond book but he went on to publish another nine novels, ending with Octopussy in 1966. The story was serialised in The Daily Express newspaper, first in an abridged, multi-part form and then as a comic strip. In 1963 it was adapted into the second film in the Bond series, starring Sean Connery. Much is made of the revolver motif on the dustwrapper and upper board. We are told: "The revolver is a Smith & Wesson Military and Police model in .38 S. &…

"From Russia, with Love" by Ian Fleming is a spy thriller featuring James Bond, the iconic British Secret Service agent. In this novel, Bond is assigned a perilous mission by MI6 to acquire a Soviet encoding machine, the Spektor, and to discern the true intentions behind the offering of this seemingly valuable device. The story begins with a depiction of the intricate planning by the clandestine Soviet agency SMERSH, which devises an elaborate plot to discredit and assassinate James Bond. Their strategy involves using a beautiful Russian cipher clerk, Tatiana Romanova, to lure Bond into a web of deceit. Bond is dispatched to Istanbul, where he is tasked with making contact with Tatiana and retrieving the Spektor. As Bond arrives in Istanbul, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of espionage and deceit. Tatiana, seemingly defecting from the Soviets, offers to provide the Spektor to the British, seeking asylum in return. However, Bond soon realizes that this apparent defection is part of a meticulously crafted scheme. His mission turns perilous as he discovers that Tatiana's involvement is orchestrated by SMERSH, aiming to eliminate Bond as part of their intricate plan to damage British intelligence. The novel follows Bond's encounters with various adversaries, including Red Grant, a skilled and ruthless assassin tasked with eliminating him. Bond faces life-threatening situations and engages in daring maneuvers to outwit his enemies, relying on his resourcefulness and skills to survive. Fleming's narrative is filled with suspenseful twists and turns, intricate plotting, and Bond's characteristic blend of charm, intelligence, and bravery. The story builds to an intense climax aboard the Orient Express, where Bond confronts Grant in a thrilling and deadly showdown. "From Russia, with Love" is a classic espionage novel that showcases the danger, intrigue, and high-stakes world of Cold War espionage. It remains a beloved entry in the James Bond series, celebrated for its gripping storyline, intricate plotting, and the depiction of Bond's cunning and resilience in the face of formidable adversaries.