- 90
Fleming, Ian.
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description
- Goldfinger. Jonathan Cape, 1959
8vo, first edition, the dedication copy, inscribed by fleming to his friend william plomer ("To | William | This oak tree from | that acorn! | Affectionately | Ian "), original black cloth with skull design in blind on upper cover with eyes in gilt, spine lettered in gilt, dust-jacket designed by Richard Chopping
the dedication copy, inscribed to the friend without whom the james bond novels might never have been published.
The dedication leaf reads "To | my gentle Reader | William Plomer". The South African-born poet and novelist William Plomer (1903-73, author of Turbott Wolfe), who is now generally considered without peer in the second half of the twentieth century as a discoverer of new talent in others, edited a number of the Bond novels, working as literary advisor to Cape (who published them), as well as literary editor for Faber and Faber. it was owing to plomer's encouragement during the war, when both men were serving in naval intelligence, that fleming wrote his first 'james bond' novel. Upon seeing the manuscript in 1952 Plomer immediately recognised its potential, and he persuaded Cape to publish it, despite the publisher's dislike of thrillers. Plomer subsequently read each of the Bond novels, often suggesting improvements and changes. His only financial reward was the sum of £500 which Fleming left him when he died, with the stipulation that Plomer "commit some extravagance with it". Plomer gave the address at Fleming's memorial service.
"...Plomer was one of the few people with whom Ian could always relax..." (Andrew Lycett, Ian Fleming)
the dedication copy, inscribed to the friend without whom the james bond novels might never have been published.
The dedication leaf reads "To | my gentle Reader | William Plomer". The South African-born poet and novelist William Plomer (1903-73, author of Turbott Wolfe), who is now generally considered without peer in the second half of the twentieth century as a discoverer of new talent in others, edited a number of the Bond novels, working as literary advisor to Cape (who published them), as well as literary editor for Faber and Faber. it was owing to plomer's encouragement during the war, when both men were serving in naval intelligence, that fleming wrote his first 'james bond' novel. Upon seeing the manuscript in 1952 Plomer immediately recognised its potential, and he persuaded Cape to publish it, despite the publisher's dislike of thrillers. Plomer subsequently read each of the Bond novels, often suggesting improvements and changes. His only financial reward was the sum of £500 which Fleming left him when he died, with the stipulation that Plomer "commit some extravagance with it". Plomer gave the address at Fleming's memorial service.
"...Plomer was one of the few people with whom Ian could always relax..." (Andrew Lycett, Ian Fleming)
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Among the other writers whom Plomer discovered and promoted early in their careers were Arthur Koestler, Ted Hughes, Stevie Smith, John Betjeman, Vladimir Nabokov, John Fowles, and Alan Paton (see Oxford DNB). He was awarded the queen's gold medal for poetry in 1963 (his poetic output was large and varied), and appointed CBE in 1968. He also wrote four librettos for the composer Benjamin Britten.