Ian Fleming | The Spy Who Loved Me, 1962, first edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author to Claude (Taittinger)

Ian Fleming

The Spy Who Loved Me. London: Jonathan Cape, 1962

8vo, FIRST EDITION, FIRST IMPRESSION, PRESENTATION COPY inscribed by the author to Claude: ("To | Claude | who holds the fort! | from | Ian") to front free endpaper, double-page illustration pp. 6-7, original dark grey/brown cloth, lettered in silver, design to upper cover in silver and blind, red endpapers, DUST-JACKET, collector's black clamshell box, some light brown staining to front flap of dust-jacket

Previously attributed to Commander Claude Pearce-Serocold, R.N.V.R. N.I.D., however sources cite his passing circa 1959. The identity of the recipient can almost certainly be ascribed as Claude Taittinger, director of the champagne business following his brother Francois's untimely death. Claude headed Taittinger from 1960 to 2005, steering the house to world renown. Claude was on friendly terms with Fleming, and sponsored the Pinewood celebration to mark the first day's filming of From Russia, With Love on 1 April 1963. The Champagne house was based at Château de la Marquetterie, a former command post during World War I, which is alluded to in the inscription.