First edition, first impression, of the first Bond novel to attract national controversy. "When he wrote Casino Royale (1953) for what was thought to be a minority audience almost all the critics politely applauded... But nothing disturbs like success". The publication of Dr No saw the series suddenly come under fire from critics who took "five years to notice the [Bond] phenomena" (Pearson, p. 325).
The sixth Bond novel was also the first adapted for cinema. Starring Sean Connery in 1962, the film established the iconic theme music and opening gun barrel sequence used throughout the film franchise.
Octavo. Original black boards, spine lettered in silver, "Honeychile" silhouette on the front cover in brown (second state, no priority). With dust jacket.
Binding square and firm, single spot to front pastedown, contents clean; jacket unclipped, toning to spine, otherwise sharp: a fine copy in near-fine jacket.
Gilbert A6a (1.3). John Pearson, The Life of Ian Fleming, 1966.