Ian Fleming – Moonraker – First Edition – Signed and Inscribed

A first edition, first printing of ‘Moonraker’ by Ian Fleming published by Cape in 1955. A near fine book, inscribed by the author to the front end paper. The inscription reads – TO JOYCE / THE HAPPY GHOST / FROM / IAN FLEMING / 1955. The Joyce in question was Joyce Emerson (1921-1979), a journalist by trade, who worked at The Sunday Times during the 1950’s and 60’s. She befriended Fleming whilst working on the ‘Atticus’ team alongside Ian Fleming. Atticus was a weekly society gossip column, which Fleming joined in the autumn of 1953 (during the release time of his first novel ‘Casino Royale’). As the inscription suggests, Emerson would (almost certainly) have ghost-written many of the pieces carrying his name. The book is free of any owner names or inscriptions, with the correctly printed SHOOT found to page 10. The dust wrapper is in very good condition. There is the usual fading to the red flames found to the spine. The dust wrapper is correctly priced at 10s.6d net to both the front and rear flaps. An incredibly scarce title to acquire, signed and inscribed by the author and more so as the inscription includes Fleming’s full name as well as the year of publication. This book is listed at Dhs225,000 and is available to view on request. Please contact us directly.