First edition Ian Fleming novels at Ballater book fair, Scotland

There will be some scarce and collectable editions of Ian Fleming's ever popular James Bond novels at this year's Ballater Book Fair in Aberdeenshire, Scotland - reports the Deeside Piper.

The author was in the secret service during World War II as the assistant to the director of naval intelligence and it is this experience that provided the background for writing the James Bond stories.

The first of these was Casino Royale published in 1953. It is now quite difficult to find a copy of this title in the first edition because the initial print run was quite small. There will be a copy at the fair and even though it does not have a dustwrapper it should still be worth several thousand pounds. If the original dustwrapper was present the price would rapidly escalate into five figures as long as the book was in good condition so it might be worth checking if you have any hidden gems like this salted away in the attic or elsewhere!

Some of the other early copies of the James Bond novels, such as Live and Let Die, Moonraker and Diamonds Are Forever, can also be worth several thousand pounds if they are first editions with the dustwrapper and in good condition. Later stories published in the 1960s, such as Thunderball and You Only Live Twice can still be worth several hundred pounds.

There will be a wide variety of out of print, antiquarian and collectable books for sale at this year's fair along with a good selection of maps and prints. Local history and topography will be well represented along with sporting, military and history etc.

The Aberdeen branch of the Family History Society will also be availble on the day to help people trace their family roots if they have any connection with North-east.

The Book Fair is on Sunday (August 9) at the Victoria Hall, Station Square from 10-5, admission £1.

For further details contact Bryn Wayte, Deeside Books, Ballater; Tel 01339 754080; email deesidebk@aol.com.

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