An exceptionally rare signed and inscribed first printing of Thunderball, the ninth book in the James Bond series of novels by Ian Fleming, published in 1961. Fleming has dedicated the book to Wing Commander Dobson of the Royal Air Force, who provided advice on some of the technical aspects of the plot, which featured a hijacked nuclear-armed aircraft being landed at sea in the Caribbean. The inscription on the front endpaper thanks Dobson for his ‘very kind help.’ Unusually, Fleming used his full name for the inscription instead of the more typical ‘Ian’ found in other dedicated copies of his books. Dobson is referenced in correspondence by Fleming from 1961, and was introduced to the author through a writers and speakers research agency. First edition, first impression, published in 1961 by Jonathan Cape in London. Hardback, original unclipped jacket. In very good condition indeed. Minor bumping to boards and mild spotting to top edge. Presented in a customised clamshell case. Book is available in-store, please visit our gallery in Alserkal Avenue, or contact us with questions.
