Goldfinger. FLEMING, Ian.

First edition, first impression. Writing after he had secured his fortunes through the cult of James Bond, "Fleming was now expressing his pent-up excitement about great wealth, treasure, and tycoons. Like Goldfinger, he felt the time had come to storm his own Fort Knox" (Pearson, p. 322). The novel was adapted into the 1964 film starring Sean Connery. Fleming named the villain while discussing how he detested the designs of the modernist architect Ern Goldfinger during a game of golf. The author settled with the real Goldfinger following his complaints. Gilbert A7a (1.2). John Pearson, The Life of Ian Fleming, 1966. Octavo. Original black boards, spine lettered in gilt, blind skull design with gilt coin eyes on front cover (second state, no priority). With supplied dust jacket (first issue, with 19-line blurb and reviews of Dr No on front flap). Gift inscription on front free endpaper. Foxing to edges, a few marginal marks; jacket unclipped, a couple of nicks, light marks on rear panel, tape residue on verso, a bright example: a very good copy in like jacket.