Jonathan Cape, London, 1954
First Edition, Third Printing Fine crisp clean book with a beautiful original fine/near fine unclipped dust jacket. Considered the RAREST CAPE PUBLISHING IMPRESSION, with less than 1,000 copies printed. This copy is a clean example with the original unclipped dust jacket having the same artwork as the first edition. After the third printing, the artwork for the dust jacket changed. Very scarce title and a wonderful alternative to the first edition, first printing in a first state jacket which is priced at over $80,000 in the same condition as this book.
Original fine crisp black covered boards with bright unfaded red titles to the spine, and a red heart to the front. The boards are in clean, beautiful condition with sharp corners, and no edgewear. The binding is tight and square. The end papers are clean, bright and flat with NO owner names, No inscriptions, No book plates. The internal pages are clean, with no stains, no handling marks, no writing, and no foxing. A handsome copy of this elusive first edition, third impression title. Please see images for details.
The original dust jacket has benefited from some slight restoration to the very outer spine tips and as such presents in near fine/fine condition. The dust jacket has strong vibrant colors still maintaining the brilliant red to the hearts in the front panel and bright yellow titles to the spine (which more typically fade). The dust jacket has No edgewear, No chips, No rips, No tears, No stains, No fading and No foxing. The jacket is NOT price clipped and has the stated price of 10s 6d net to both the front and rear flaps. The dust jacket is protected in a new clear removeable archival cover. Please see the many detailed images.
A very striking handsome example of this Fleming title in extremely scarce condition with the stunning dust jacket! Outstanding presentation on the shelf.
