Books

London: Jonathan Cape, 1953. [Spy thriller] FIRST IMPRESSION, EXPORT COPY. Octavo (20 x 13cm), pp.218; [2], blank. Publisher's black cloth-effect paper over boards with red titles and 'Heart' design to upper, tail edge untrimmed. Housed in a bespoke leather-spine clamshell box. Contents clean, edges toned, endpapers with identity marks of U.S.A.F., library pocket at rear with 'withdrawn' as final entry, a couple of neat stamps (not on title page or copyright), covers are near fine. Provided with a later plain brown paper jacket with printed labels, made for ready-reference purposes. This copy was later part of the comprehensive James Bond collection of bibliographer Jon Gilbert, with his pencil notes and ownership to f.e.p. His encyclopaedic guide to the works of Ian Fleming (2012) won the 16th Breslauer Prize for bibliography. The first James Bond novel; this copy, with typically thrilling content for the intended readership, was imported by an American Air Force base in Germany.…

"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.