“You only live twice. Once when you are born and once when you look death in the face.“
Having served in the Naval Intelligence Division, as well as holding a journalism career, Fleming had a unique depth of insight that allowed him to create one of the best known characters in the world – James Bond.
The first Bond novel, Casino Royale, was an instant success when published in 1952. With such high demand, Fleming wrote eleven novels total in the series, as well as other works, and the stories featuring 007 have sold over 100 million copies worldwide.
St Mary’s Books are delighted to handle many special copies of these iconic books, including signed association copies.
The 1st book in this famous 14 volume set, first edition hardback with original first state dust cover, price-clipped. Has not been restored. Some rubbing to extremities of dust cover. Light foxing to endpapers. Overall very good condition. 218 pp. Presents well, striking cover ‘arranged by the author. Perfect addition to a Fleming collection. The iconic 1st James Bond Novel this being the 1st edition 1st issue and with no restoration.
Signed association copy of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
First trade edition, unique presentation copy, hardback with pictorial dust cover by Richard Chopping, price-clipped. Inscribed association copy by Ian Fleming to his friend John Hayward. Inscription on front free endpaper reads: “To John / To pick holes in! / From / Ian”. Hayward flat-shared with T.S. Eliot in the Cheyne Walk area of London, where Fleming was their next door neighbour for a time. When Fleming acquired the magazine The Book Handbook in 1952, Fleming left Hayward, as co-editor along with Percy Muir, in charge of all editorial decisions. This professional respect is perhaps reflected in the inscription. Original boards, minor bumping to corners but overall a fine copy. Minor rubbing to extreme corner-tips of dust cover, spine very slightly toned, but overall a fine example. A very special book.
Signed limited edition On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
Original cover and original clear dust cover in very good condition. Ian Fleming’s signature on copyright page along with limited edition details. One of only 250 presentation copies. All edge gilt to pages. Full colour portrait of Fleming frontispiece. Light shelf wear and rubbing. Gilt to edge of pages lightly rubbed. Very special copy.
St Mary's Books of Stamford Est. 1971 