Books

London: Jonathan Cape. 1964. Uncorrected proof copy of the first edition, first printing. Uncorrected proof copy of the first edition, first printing. Publisher's original green Cape logo card covers printed in white and black. A near very good copy, the covers rubbed and creased at the spine, with a few marks and the publisher or proof reader's inscription in black ink to the upper cover "G G April 18/-". The contents, with vertical pencil markings to the inner margin of the first page of text (p.9) and only the occasional finger mark are otherwise clean throughout. One of 596 bound proofs produced. [Gilbert A13a.] Further details and images for any of the items listed are available on request. Lucius Books welcomes direct contact with our customers.

The Man with the Golden Gun is the twelfth novel (and thirteenth book) of Ian Fleming's James Bond series. It was first published by Jonathan Cape in the UK on 1 April 1965, eight months after the author's death. The novel was not as detailed or polished as the others in the series, leading to poor but polite reviews. Despite that, the book was a best-seller. The story centers on the fictional British Secret Service agent Commander James Bond, who had been thought dead, only to return to the Secret Service alive and well. In the novel, Bond is sent to assassinate Francisco 'Pistols' Scaramanga, a notorious hitman, who is believed to be responsible for the disappearance of several British intelligence operatives.

A first edition of 'The Man with the Golden Gun' can often be identified by the gold gun embossed on the front cover of the hardback, the lack of a 'New York Times' review on the front flap, and with the original dust jacket designed by Richard Chopping. Prices for first editions can vary widely based on condition and presence of these elements.