Books

New York: The Macmillan Company, 1954. [Bond] FIRST U.S. EDITION, ASSOCIATION COPY. Octavo (21 x 14cm), pp.176. Bound in original dark green cloth boards in the pictorial dust-jacket designed by Leo Manso. Priced to the front flap ($2.75) but with both corners clipped, as was the publisher's method. Decorative bookplate, SIGNED by Amherst Villiers, also SIGNED by his daughter Janie Villers in our presence. A near fine copy of the book with a few light marks to covers, jacket with some chips, rubs and tears, some minor sunning to the spine, a few old tape repairs to reverse side. Author's first novel. Engineer Charles Amherst Villiers (1900-1991) designed a supercharger for the 4½ litre 'Blower' Bentley, the gearing for which was made by David Brown & Son [D.B.S.], prior to their acquisition of Aston Martin, a struggling motor company previously funded by Count Louis Zborowski. His friend Ian Fleming chose the 'blower' as James Bond's own vehicle in Casino Royale, plus a company…

"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.