Literary 007 / 1953–1966 - Ian Fleming / 1953 - Casino Royale
First Edition Of Ian Fleming's Casino Royale Fails To Sell
Was expected to fetch as much as $20,000
Written by Devin Zydel on 15 Feb, 2007
CBn previously reported that a UK first edition Jonathan Cape hardback of Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale was exected to sell for up to $20,000 at an auction that took place this week. However, BBC News reports that the bidding for the James Bond novel did not reach its undisclosed reserve price.
‘It’s very disappointing. But the fact that it’s an auction means you never know what’s going to happen, said Bloomsbury Auctions spokesman Richard Caton. In February 2005, another copy sold for over $40,000 at a Bloomsbury Auctions sale.
Fleming expert Roddy Newlands said interest in buying first editions of the original Bond novels has shot up as a result of Daniel Craig’s debut 007 film. ‘Casino Royale is an exceptionally important book because it is the first.’
A copy of The Spy Who Loved Me did sell for £1,200 and a copy of Octopussy & The Living Daylights (signed by Maud Adams and Maryam d’Abo) went for roughly £500.
Other Fleming Bond novels featured at the sale included Moonraker, From Russia With Love and The Man With The Golden Gun. Additionally, a copy of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service signed by George Lazenby was also included.
Keep watching CBn for all the latest James Bond news.
