CASINO ROYALE by Fleming, Ian - 1953

London: Jonathan Cape, 1953. First edition. Near fine in jacket presenting near fine.. First impression of Ian Fleming's first book, launching one of the most famous characters of the 20th century, in the rare first-issue dust jacket designed by the author (expertly restored). James Bond is introduced to readers in CASINO ROYALE with many of the characteristics for which he would become famous: even in this earliest novel, Bond is a man of great taste, brooding yet witty, with a knack for thinking on his feet and a weakness for intelligent and accomplished women that can often veer into the questionable territory of the femme fatale. (Very) loosely based on Fleming's own experiences as a British intelligence officer, this book of Fleming's daydreams would start Bond on the path to pop-culture legend. The first print run was less than 5000 copies, and more than half of those are believed to have been sold to public libraries. 7.5'' x 5''. Original black cloth, heart stamped in red on front board, spine lettered in red. Original unclipped (10s 6d) grey pictorial playing card design dust jacket "devised by the author" (front flap). Two-paragraph summary on front flap (no Sunday Times review). 218 pages. Book slightly cocked. Jacket with expert restoration.