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[glidrose]

Ian Fleming’s copy of Daniel Defoe’s The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders (Lot 78), inscribed by Fleming to his (future) wife, Ann is estimated at £3,000-£4,000. The inscription reads "A. p.27 / 'Thou foolish child, thou / art always crying'. / I.". An intriguing combination of book and inscription, taking into account the books salacious nature and considering that, at the time of the inscription, Ann and Fleming were involved in a passionate adulterous love affair.

One presumes it must pre-date the tragic death of their daughter at birth, as Ann later said that it was Fleming's kindness at the time that led her to truly fall in love with him, and this would not seem the most obvious gift in such circumstances, though the quote might suggest otherwise. Ann divorced Lord Rothermere in October 1951 and married Ian on March 24th 1952, Fleming finished writing Casino Royale six days beforehand on March 18th, utilising the pre-wedding nerves as a spur to creativity.

A further auction highlight is a first edition of Fleming’s On Her Majesty's Secret Service (Lot 92) inscribed to his friend John Hayward (1905-65): "To / John / To pick holes in! / from / Ian." 1963, estimated at £6,000-8,000.

https://www.finebook...loomsbury.phtml

http://www.bloomsbur...es/lot/36227/78

http://www.bloomsbur...es/lot/36227/92


Other Flemings, Amises, Gardners, and Higsons are also on auction.

[Dustin]

I'd actually prefer these books to the Bryce estate, and not just for monetary reasons.