Ian Fleming | The Diamond Smugglers, 1957, first impression, first state

Ian Fleming

The Diamond Smugglers. London: Jonathan Cape, 1957

8vo, FIRST IMPRESSION, FIRST STATE, final proof dust-jacket, original black cloth (Fabroleen), spine lettered in white, dust-jacket illustrated by Denis Piper (priced 12/6), collector's black half morocco box, dust-jacket slightly browned at extremities with small closed tear to upper margin

"The jacket is entirely unclipped and overly wide, having not been trimmed to size; considered the printer's final or proof-state dust-wrapper, likely one of the first 25 copies delivered to Cape on 8th November 1957 (publication date was 29th November)" (Gilbert).

PROVENANCE:

Otto Penzler collection of British Esionage and Thriller Fiction, sold Swann Auction Galleries, NY, 8 April 2010, lot 107 (part lot)