"There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written. "
— Oscar Wilde

London: Jonathan Cape, 1957. [Spy novel] FIRST EDITION, BINDING A. Octavo (19 x 13cm), pp.253; [3], blank. Publisher's black cloth-effect paper over boards, blocked in silver and red metallic foil, pictorial dust-jacket by Richard Chopping priced at 13/6. A lightly used copy with a few minor marks to edges and endpaers, the wrapper has benefited from some discreet and well executed restoration to the spine tips and fold extremities from a highly skilled paper conservator. Shows very well indeed. This entry in the legendary James Bond series is an absolute classic; 007 does battle with SMERSH, the Soviet organisation of vengeance, interrogation, torture and death, and in particular their fearsome executioner Red Grant. The novel appears on both lists [100 Greatest Mysteries] compiled by the Crime Writers' Association (UK) and the Mystery Writers Organisation (America). Item #59233
Gilbert A5a (1.1).
Price: £1,500.00