The Achilles Affair

New York: Scribner's Sons, 1959. [Adventure Thriller] FIRST US EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY with superb, lengthy inscription signed by the author. Octavo (22 x 14cm), pp.255; [1], blank. Publisher's hardcovers, illustrated duct-wrapper priced at $3.50, with promotional wraparound band with supporting quote by Erle Stanley Gardner. Inscription reads; To Tony and Joan / from Jasper Davies / (Berkely Mather) / in memory of / very happy days / and wonderful / hospitality in Cyprus / (while this was being written). // July 1959. [underline] Contents clean, jacket is fine, having been protected in a clear sleeve which was taped at folds and edges resulting in offset tape marks to both flaps and endpapers. Otherwise bright and attractive in the rare advertising sash. Berkely Mather's books were favourably reviewed by Ian Fleming for the Sunday Times, and, at Fleming's request, Mather later contributed to the screenplay for the first James Bond film 'Dr. No' (1962). This is a fine presentation recalling the genesis of the novel in Cyprus, where some of the narrative takes place. This copy later formed part of the archive assembled by Jon Gilbert (pencil signature within). His comprehensive guide to the works of Ian Fleming (2012) won the 16th Breslauer Prize for bibliography. Gilbert D21.