You Asked for It (Casino Royale)
New York: Popular Library, 1955. First Thus. 4 1/4 X 6 7/8 Inches. 128 PP. Very Good. Item #7069
"It remains an elusive period piece and one that is passionately sought after by Bond fans." - Jon Gilbert, author of "Ian Fleming: The Bibliography"
First United States paperback printing of Casino Royale, a title that Popular Library feared would by unpronounceable by an American audience. Aside from the title change, which apparently Fleming did not mind at all (according to Gilbert / pg 50), Popular Library used the "Jimmy Bond" version of 007's name. This did not go as well for the publisher. In addition to leaving Fleming's name off the spine and not denoting his man's "Special Agent" status of any kind, this flaw would spell doom for the publisher. Fleming promptly moved his paperback rights to Signet for later versions of this book. This would be the ONLY paperback James Bond novel ever produced by Popular Library.
Hint of wear to edges and spine ends. Some sunning to top corner of gutters (causing the green border to fade). A very attractive copy overall. One of the high spots of early "Bondiana" that is still often overlooked.
Price: $500.00