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FLEMING, IAN. Casino Royale FIRST EDITION, INSCRIBED BY IAN FLEMING. First edition, first state (dust jacket without reviews) of the first novel in the James Bond series. Inscribed by Fleming on the front free endpaper: “To Edwina who helped in the birth-pangs. From The Author.” With letter of provenance from the original owner, Edwina C. Smith, who was (in her own words) “bilingual secretary to the Foreign Manager of Kemsley Newspapers, who was Ian Fleming” when Fleming was writing Casino Royale. Smith notes that “this copy acquired on the first day of its publication.” London: Jonathan Cape, 1953. Octavo, original black cloth, original dust jacket. Book fine, dust jacket in magnificent condition with only the slightest edgewear and a hint of fading to spine. An outstanding inscribed copy of the first and rarest Bond title. $75,000. |
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