Casino Royale.

first edition of the first James Bond book

The author's first book and the first appearance of James Bond, who has probably had a greater impact on popular culture than any other fictitious character since Sherlock Holmes. 4,728 copies of the first impression were printed, although no more than 3,000 were issued in the first state dustjacket, the remainder having a favourable Sunday Times review overprinted on the front flap. A significant proportion of the first printing would have been sold to libraries and the remainder were well read. As such, only a very small number of copies remain in such fine condition as this one, with a freshness and consistency of colour which is now seldom found in this title.

'Ian Fleming has discovered the secret of narrative art... the reader has to go on reading' (John Betjeman's review in 'The Daily Telegraph').

First edition, first impression; 8vo; publisher's black cloth with red heart vignette on upper cover and titles on the spine, in gun metal grey dustjacket designed by the author; a fine copy in a fine dustjacket, which just shows the most trivial wear to the head of the spine and one corner, but is otherwise exceptionally crisp and bright.

Gilbert A1a(1.1).