Fleming (Ian)

Casino Royale, first edition, first issue, Presentation copy, inscribed by the author to ‘Paul [Gallico] from Balzache. 1953’ to front endpaper, original boards, slight damp mark to upper fore-edge corner of back board, first issue dust-jacket without the Times review, foxing to top edge and light foxing to a few preliminary pages, very light surface soiling, but an excellent example overall, [GIlbert A1a1.1], 8vo, 1953.

*** An extremely good copy of the author's first novel to one of his best friends, which led Fleming to ask Gallico to read the first transcript. With a play on the word ‘balls/ache’ (possibly?). They were known as great drinking buddies.