Books

London: Jonathan Cape, 1964. [Spy novel] FIRST STATE, BINDING A, AUTHOR'S PRESENTATION COPY. Octavo (20 x 14cm), pp.256. Publisher's black 'Excelin' cloth-effect paper (type C cloth) over boards with silver titles to spine and Japanese characters in gilt to upper, dust-jacket by Richard Chopping, bespoke clamshell box. INSCRIBED by Ian Fleming to Amherst Villiers; 'read it, damn you!'. A clean, fine copy. A superb association; engineer Charles Amherst Villiers (1900-1991) designed a supercharger for the 4½ litre 'Blower' Bentley; Fleming chose the 'blower' as James Bond's own vehicle, which appears in the first three novels. Villiers worked on jet engines, rocket propulsion, world-speed records and was also an accomplished portrait artist. So engaged with these interests, Villiers had little time to read, and this was reflected in the author's succinct inscription. Additionally signed in pencil by Janie Villers, who cooked sausages for Fleming to eat while sitting for the portrait…

In 'You Only Live Twice,' James Bond is devastated by the death of his wife and goes to Japan on what seems a diplomatic mission. He becomes involved with the mysterious 'Tiger' Tanaka and his plot to disrupt the Soviet intelligence network in Japan. Bond's revenge takes him on a dangerous quest after his nemesis, Ernst Stavro Blofeld.