Books

First edition, second issue, presentation copy, in the "A" binding, inscribed by the author to the front free endpaper, "To Elizabeth. Get well soon! from Ian Fleming". A fine example of Fleming's characteristic handwriting with flourish and underlines, boldly signed. This second issue of the first edition can be distinguished by the "published March" copyright page. This copy was inscribed in March 1964 by the then-ailing Fleming, who was suffering from poor health. He died from a heart attack in August 1964. The recipient of this copy was a nursemaid of the author during those final months, who was briefly unwell herself, hence the inscription. This title was published only months before the author's death; inscribed copies are notably scarce. This copy is from the significant Ian Fleming collection of Martin Schøyen (b.1940), with his bookplate. Schøyen's private collection of manuscripts, which span all cultures and all time periods, is one of the largest and most comprehensive of its kind. Octavo. Original black boards, spine lettered in silver, Japanese characters blocked in gilt to front cover, bamboo-patterned endpapers. With dust jacket. Housed in a custom dark blue quarter morocco folding box. A very good copy, minor lean to spine, edges lightly toned and foxed, but internally still attractive and with bright and clear inscription from the author, in like dust jacket, toned, edges rubbed and nicked, but still sharp. Gilbert A12a(1.3); The Schøyen Collection No. 93.

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.