Today marks the 60th anniversary of the publication of the first James Bond novel, Casino Royale, on April 13th 1953. Ian Fleming had written the book in 1952 while spending the winter at Goldeneye, his home in Jamaica, and just 4,728 copies were printed.
The initial printing quickly sold out and today copies complete with original dust jackets can go for many thousands of pounds. Copies signed by the author are in particular demand, and command tens of thousands of pounds.
While it is through the films that most people are familiar with 007 these days, today is the day to pour yourself a glass of whatever you prefer and toast Ian Fleming for providing us with a hero who has proved to be durable for so many years.
