Ian Fleming first edition James Bond novels up for auction this week

A selection of highly sought after first editions of Ian Fleming’s legendary James Bond books are being sold by Gloucestershire auctioneers Dominic Winter, reports This Is Gloucestershire.

Casino Royale, the book that introduced 007 to the world, is anticipated to be a highlight of the auction. This rare first edition with its original dust-jacket is expected to fetch £12,000.

Also being auctioned is the first edition of Ian Flemings ‘Live and Let Die’ - expected to reach up to £5,000. This second novel in the James Bond series was adapted for the screen in 1973 and was the first to star Roger Moore as James Bond.

Other first editions include:

· Moonraker (1955) - featuring the reappearance of the mercenary assassin Jaws. Estimated to fetch up to £1,500.

· Diamonds Are Forever (1956) – boasting the unforgettable film theme tune sung by Shirley Bassey. Estimated to fetch up to £400.

· The Spy Who Loved Me (1961) – sees Bond teaming up with Russian agent Anya Amasova to stop the reclusive megalomaniac Stromberg from destroying the world. Estimated to fetch up to £400.

The auction also sees some iconic Bond posters, including an original 1963 UK film poster of ‘From Russia With Love’ featuring Sean Connery and is likely to fetch over £1,500.

For the avid Bond collector there is a copy of Patrick Leigh Fermor’s first book ‘The Traveller’s Tree’ (1950), signed by Ian Fleming. There are also a few of Fleming’s marks in the margins on Haitian Voodoo, which he used for the scene-setting pages at the beginning of ‘Live and Let Die’.

This inspiration for one of the greatest Bond books is expected to have bidders calling each other’s bluff and is likely to fetch up to £800.

Auctioneer Dominic Winter said: “The rare book market has many changing tastes and fashions, although the strikingly colourful James Bond first editions have always been one of the surest certainties over the last thirty years. Prices and demand have gone up, with premium prices being paid for mint condition rarities.

“The 007 film industry has helped that impetus by drawing in thousands of new fans keen to buy into the James Bond fantasy. First editions, film posters, autographs, we’ve got everything but his gun!”

The auction will be on Thursday 16th December with viewing available on Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th December between 9am and 7pm and as well as on the morning of sale from 9am. Commission bids must be received by 10am sale day. Telephone bids may be arranged with the auction office on a first-come first-served basis. Internet bidding is also available at www.dominicwinter.co.uk and results will be posted immediately after the sale.

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