A first edition of Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale, (1953) thrilled bidders, selling for £24,180 at Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions’ sale of Modern Literature on Friday 11th April, held at their saleroom in London’s Mayfair.
The first book in the 007 series, Casino Royale (1953) introduced Fleming’s renowned James Bond franchise to the world.
Since it was first published on 13th April 1953 the book had been adapted for screen three times, and in 2006 it became the 21st film in the Eon Productions film series of the Bond novels, and the film that introduced Daniel Craig as the eighth actor to play the fictional MI6 agent.
Written by Fleming in Jamaica, the book received stellar reviews and the first UK print run sold out in under a month. The dust jacket was designed by Fleming himself and the initial hardcover release was priced at 10s, 6d a copy.
This rare first edition Casino Royale is in exceptional condition, and was the first of a complete collection of Fleming’s 007 novels to be offered during the sale. Also from the collection, a first edition of Live and Let Die, (1954), sold for £8,060, and a first edition of Moonraker, (1955) sold for £5,952.
The auction was held at Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions’ London saleroom in the heart of Mayfair on Friday 11th April. The catalogue and full results from the sale can be found online at www.bloomsburyauctions.com.
