Books

London: Jonathan Cape. 1957. [Artwork] Eleven sheets, untrimmed and oversized, each measuring 17x11 inches approx. Tie fastened to right hand side, with printer's guideline/trim lines to l.h.s. These printer's proofs demonstrate the colour processes and layering methods employed in the production of the book jacket, and includes one of the the very first 'finished' dustjackets, albeit larger as not trimmed for a book. From Russia With Love was the very first Fleming title to be painted by Chopping. Some minor handling, never folded or used, small area of foxing to top edge at margin. FINE throughout. A remarkable survival. From the collection of Ian Fleming bibliographer Jon Gilbert (since 2004), with accompanying provenance. Richard Chopping was a well known figure in the art world of the 1950s and 60s and was commissioned by Fleming to produce his iconic series of designs for the James Bond novels following an exhibition at the Hanover Galleries in 1956. Artist Francis Bacon,…

"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.