Fleming, Ian

8vo (7 1/2 x 5 ins.; 190 x 128 mm). Publisher's silver gilt-stamped black cloth. Original dust-jacket; spine lightly faded, very light rubbing, not price-clipped.

Gilbert A3 (variant with "shoot" correctly printed on p. 10).

As described in catalogue entry.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition.  Presentation copy, inscribed and signed by Fleming, "To Clare, who washes my books behind the ears!. Ian. 1955."

"Clare" was an executive secretary to Joseph Kingsbury-Smith, who was Vice-President and General Manager for Hearst's International New Service in New York.  Much of Kingsbury-Smith's earlier career was spent as a reporter in London and various parts of Europe.  He was the only reporter present at the hangings of those found guilty at the Nuremburg trials. His interviews with Stalin in 1949 and with Krushchev in 1955 were groundbreaking.  Ian Fleming and Joseph Kingsbury-Smith became friends during world War II, when the latter was stationed in London.  Each time Fleming visited New York in the 1950's, he visited Kingsbury-Smith in his offices and became friendly with "Clare," who was a fan of Fleming's writing.  In 1955, Fleming brought this copy from London and inscribed it to "Clare".