Ian Fleming

A first edition, first printing of the James Bond book Live and Let Die, by Ian Fleming, which has been inscribed by the author.

• Ian Fleming (English).
• London: Jonathan Cape, 1954.
• Inscribed to Muriel Williams .
• The book is accompanied by the correct first state dust wrapper without the artist's (Kenneth Lewis] credit on the front flap, correctly priced at 10s.6d. net to both the front and rear flaps.

Inscribed by the author on the front free end-paper: "To/ MW/ The faithful &/ true!/ from/ The Author". With an additional ownership inscription and date (1954) of M J Williams on the front paste-down.

Muriel Williams (often referred to as MJW or MW) was Fleming's Assistant at Kemsley Newspapers when he was the Foreign Manager. She was responsible for the day-to-day running of the Department in particular liaison with the "stringers" who, from far flung parts of the world, submitted stories for inclusion in the Kemsley Publications (including the Sunday Times).

The dust wrapper artist, Kenneth Lewis (who worked in the Art Department at Kemsley), remembers her well commenting on her flat-chested appearance, strong and forceful personality, her use of bright red lipstick and that Fleming deferred to her.

Fleming inscribed several of his other early novels to her, including Casino Royale and Moonraker.