Casino Royale by Ian FLEMING - 1953

First edition, first impression, first state dust jacket (without the Sunday Times review on the inner front flap).

London: Jonathan Cape, 1953. An exceptionally bright copy in an equally remarkable unrestored dust-jacket.

Ian Fleming's inspiration for Casino Royale was born out of the time he became embroiled in an epic battle of baccarat with several Portuguese men in Lisbon during the Second World War. According to Pearson, at the table Fleming whispered to his friend John Godfrey… "Just suppose these fellows were German agents -- what a coup it would be if we cleaned them out entirely!" (John Pearson, The Life of Ian Fleming, London, 1966, p. 131).

Of the approx. 4728 first-edition bound copies it is understood that no more than 3000 were issued in the first state dust wrapper with the remainder being overprinted with a favourable Sunday Times review on the front flap. Many, as was common practice went to public libraries with less than half being made available to the public.

Not surprisingly, well preserved copies of this classic book in the rare 1st state dj are becoming exceedingly scarce to find in good collectible condition. This is such a copy.

Octavo. Original black boards, titles to spine red, heart device to front cover in red. With the illustrated dust jacket. Internally fresh, in the dj as mentioned, with a few nicks to head of spine – light edge toning with age - see photos for a clearer view of condition. But all in, this represents an excellent example.

Provenance – This copy has been in the Channel Islands since bought from a reputable auction. Authenticity is guaranteed.