[Ian Fleming / James Bond reference] The Inner Circle. A View of War At The Top.

ASTLEY, Joan Bright (1910-2008).

London: Hutchinson, 1971. [Intelligence / WWII Operations] SIGNED FIRST EDITION. Octavo (23 x 15cm), pp.228. Illustrated with eight photographic plates. Publisher's red cloth in dust-jacket priced at £2.25 /45s. Signature of the author in blue ink to the title page. A fine copy. Joan Bright was a key British Intelligence officer working for the Ministry of Defence, running the Secret Intelligence Section from the Cabinet War Rooms; she was awarded an OBE in 1946 for her war service. She dated Commander Ian Fleming and, according to Samantha Weinberg, is believed to be one of the models for his character Miss Moneypenny. A scarce book, especially signed. This copy is from the comprehensive Ian Fleming bibliographical archive assembled by Jon Gilbert, with his bookplate and pencilled notes. Item #65181

Gilbert, p.646.

Price: £875.00