Books

First edition, first impression, in the first issue dust jacket, without the Sunday Times review on the front flap. According to Biondi & Pickard, the jacket "is genuinely rare in fresh condition". This copy is from the library of the Fleming bibliographer Jon Gilbert, with his bookplate and signed catalogue description loosely inserted. The author's first work, Casino Royale was printed in an initial run of 4,760 copies, of which 4,728 were bound up. "Many of these went to public libraries and we believe that less than half of the first printing was sold to the public" (Biondi & Pickard). Fleming stated that his goal with the book was to write "the spy novel of all spy novels" (quoted in Gilbert). Octavo. Original black boards, spine lettered in red, heart device on front cover in red, bottom edge untrimmed. With dust jacket. Jacket spine faintly sunned, rear panel lightly toned and marked, minute nicks and creases to extremities, unclipped: a fine copy in near-fine dust jacket. Biondi & Pickard 40; Gilbert A1a (1.1).

"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.