Jonathan Cape, London, 1963
First Edition, First Printing ONE OF ONLY 500 ISSUED! Near fine condition book in green printed soft wraps. The uncorrected proofs, which came out BEFORE the first printing/published copies, were printed up in very small quantities of about 500 pieces. Beautiful Copy of this rare proof, in extremely scarce collectible condition.
DEFINITION OF AN UNCORRECTED PROOF:
In publishing jargon, a proof is the preliminary iteration of a book, intended for a limited audience. Its purpose is to allow for final edits. The proofs can also help to build and maintain buzz about a book before its official release date, generate some early reviews and have potential readers eager to get their hands on the title. A galley proof or uncorrected proof may still have errors or areas open to change. It is generally bound differently than the final product, often only spiral-bound, and missing much of the polish of the eventual published version, opting instead for plain, often coarse paper. Inclusion of proposed publication information (date, price, etc.) can also be included. Usually the proof consists of text only, and is devoid of any art or illustration that may be present in the final published version.
If a book is successful and does well upon final publication, or if it goes out-of-print early but develops a fan-base or cult following, an uncorrected proof can become a valuable prize for collectors. Part of the appeal is their scarcity, and the fact that they will sometimes have slightly different text from the final piece. (Beth Carswell, ABE BOOKS)
Near fine condition in printed green soft wraps. The few uncorrected proofs that were released to select individuals were poured over, read, pass around, and re-read as they were extremely scarce (imagine being only 1 of 500 of the privileged few who got to preview this book!). This copy is in unusually clean condition, with No handling marks, No tip curls, No dog eared pages, No stains, No writing and No foxing. The outer wraps on this copy is in near fine condition which more typically are also found highly worn, and/or grubby from being passed around. Only a few of the uncorrected proofs have come to market in recent years, with this copy being in extraordinary condition without any restoration.
The wraps are still overall bright and fresh with only creasing to the spine, and one very soft flattened crease to the rear panel. Tiny 1/8″ spot of surface paper loss to the lower spine. the binding is firm and the end papers are clean with no owner names, no bookplates and no inscriptions. Please see the many images. A most unique gift and a scarce addition to a James Bond collection.
Beautiful Copy of this rare proof, in extremely scarce collectible condition.
