Lot 165
  • 165

Fleming, Ian

Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description

  • Fleming, Ian
  • Autograph manuscript article on Jamaica
  • ink on paper
a partial working draft of his piece published as "Adventures in the Sun: Blue Mountain Solitaire", with extensive cancelled passages, in blue and black ink, 3 pages of a single bifolium, folio, [1956]; with galley proofs of the complete article, 2 pages, manuscript with 35mm. tear at bottom edge not affecting text 

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where 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."

Catalogue Note

"...Ever since I came to Jamaica I have been interested in the Solitaire (I even stole its sweet name for the heroine of one of my books) because it is so seldom seen & because of the renown of its song..."

In this manuscript Fleming explains what intrigues him about the rufous-throated solitaire, a Caribbean thrush, and led him to undertake an expedition to spot the bird in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. Fleming famously took the name James Bond from the author of Birds of the West Indies, and he here admits that his ornithological interests also lay behind the name of the psychic virgin Solitaire in Live and Let Die. The completed article was first published in The Times on 8 April 1956 (Gilbert C54).