Ian Fleming

First impression, first issue of the second James Bond novel, a lovely copy in the rare first-state dust jacket.

• Ian Fleming (English).
• London: Jonathan Cape, (1954).
• 240 pages.
• In original unclipped (10s. 6d. net) magenta dust jacket with yellow letterforms, no artist's credit on front flap.
• Bound in original black cloth, gilt-stamped central coin vignette on front board, and gilt-lettered spine.

"I think there are plenty of bullets left in Bond's gun." – Ian Fleming to his publisher, 1954

Live and Let Die was the second Bond book but the first to be banned (by the Republic of Ireland), which naturally led to higher sales. Its polarized reception would become characteristic of the series, with those decrying the latest installment facing those who admitted helplessness in the face of the fast-paced intrigue and violence that Fleming so skillfully composed. As an early Bond novel, its first issue print run was significantly smaller than later books in the series: fewer than 5,300 copies, with only a portion of those including the first-state dust jacket as here. Increasingly difficult to find in this condition.

Gilbert, Ian Fleming: The Bibliography, A2a 1.1.

Lycett, Ian Fleming.