Forsyth, Frederick

8vo, FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY FREDERICK FORSYTH ("To | Sir Dudley | with warmest regards | Freddie Forsyth | 15.11.71.") on verso of the half-title, half-title, original dust-jacket preserved at end, pictorial red, blue, black and white morocco, black morocco onlays and silver rule depicting a marksman and crosshairs, lettered in silver in spine, all edges silver, red, blue and white head- and tail bands, patterned endpapers, collector's matching black morocco slipcase

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, 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."

As a young journalist posted in Paris in the early 1960s, Forsyth had reported first hand from the scene of a genuine attempt by extreme right wing forces to assassinate President Charles de Gaulle on the Avenue de la Libération.  It was this experience which inspired his 1971 novel, centred on an unnamed assassin, codenamed the “Jackal,” who ingeniously plots a further threat to de Gaulle’s life.