Books

London: Jonathan Cape, 1954. First impression, first issue. Near fine in near fine jacket.. First edition of the 2nd James Bond novel, a lovely copy in the rare first-state dust jacket. LIVE AND LET DIE was the second Bond book but the first to be banned (by the Republic of Ireland), which naturally led to higher sales. Its polarized reception would become characteristic of the series, with those decrying the latest installment facing those who admitted helplessness in the face of the fast-paced intrigue and violence that Fleming so skillfully composed. As an early Bond novel, its first issue print run was significantly smaller than later books in the series: fewer than 5300 copies, with only a portion of those including the first-state dust jacket as here. Increasingly difficult to find in this condition. 7.25'' x 4.75''. Original black cloth, gilt-stamped central coin vignette on front board, gilt-lettered spine. In original unclipped (10s. 6d. net) magenta dust jacket with yellow…

Live and Let Die is the second novel in Ian Fleming's James Bond series of stories, and is set in London, the US and Jamaica. It was first published in the UK by Jonathan Cape on 5 April 1954. In the novel, Bond must defeat a dangerous drug lord with plans to finance Soviet espionage in America. The story was developed during Fleming's second stay in Jamaica, where he had extensive knowledge of the local scenery, wildlife, and underworld.

Identifying a first edition of 'Live and Let Die' by Ian Fleming can include looking for the publisher name 'Jonathan Cape' on the book's dust jacket or spine, no other printings mentioned, and checking the publication date.