Books

London: Jonathan Cape,, 1963. An important association copy Presentation copy of the second edition, fifth impression, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, "To CD from Ian". Sir Charles Denis Hamilton was a decorated veteran of the Second World War, "an outstanding natural newspaperman", a close friend of Fleming, and a fellow board member at the Kemsley News Group. As a columnist, much of Ian Fleming's journalism was published in the Sunday Times when Hamilton was editor-in-chief. In 1962 the inaugural issue of the ST Magazine featured the James Bond novella The Living Daylights. Hamilton also championed Fleming's Thrilling Cities travel articles, later being the dedicatee of the book edition. The first James Bond novel, Casino Royale was originally published in 1953. After two reprints, the work was entirely reset in 1957 and featured a dust jacket design by Patricia Marriott (1920-2002). Marriott also designed the dust jackets for two further Cape-published…

"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.