James Bond, the Spy Who Loved Me -
Christopher Wood
1977 - Jonathan Cape, London - First Edition
First edition of the original story / novel of the 1977 James Bond film 'The Spy Who Loved Me', written under licence from Ian Fleming's copyright holders Glidrose.
A particularly elusive Bond title in collectible condition, and rare in this fine condition without ownership inscriptions or restoration; many copies entered the lending library system and are marked as such. In addition, price-clipping appears to be an issue with this title.
When Fleming sold the film rights to his novels, he refused to consent to this title and ‘Moonraker’ being filmed as written. He felt that ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ was more of an experimental novel as it contained a female perspective and narrative, and ‘Moonraker’ was somewhat dated, so both would need rewriting. As a result, Christopher Wood was brought in by director Lewis Gilbert to produce a screenplay together with Richard Maibaum, and subsequent novel, a task he repeated solo for the next film ‘Moonraker’. References: Gilbert, Ian Fleming The Bibliography, page 612. Hubin, Crime Fiction IV.
Small octavo (book size 19.3x12.8cm), pp. 222 [2]. In publisher’s charcoal paper covered boards, spine lettered in gilt. Dust jacket designed by Bill Botten, and priced ‘£3.50 net in UK only’ to lower corner of front flap. Condition: Fine but for light spotting to top edge in fine dust jacket. Ref: 111691 Price: HK$ 22,000
A particularly elusive Bond title in collectible condition, and rare in this fine condition without ownership inscriptions or restoration; many copies entered the lending library system and are marked as such. In addition, price-clipping appears to be an issue with this title.
When Fleming sold the film rights to his novels, he refused to consent to this title and ‘Moonraker’ being filmed as written. He felt that ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ was more of an experimental novel as it contained a female perspective and narrative, and ‘Moonraker’ was somewhat dated, so both would need rewriting. As a result, Christopher Wood was brought in by director Lewis Gilbert to produce a screenplay together with Richard Maibaum, and subsequent novel, a task he repeated solo for the next film ‘Moonraker’. References: Gilbert, Ian Fleming The Bibliography, page 612. Hubin, Crime Fiction IV.
Small octavo (book size 19.3x12.8cm), pp. 222 [2]. In publisher’s charcoal paper covered boards, spine lettered in gilt. Dust jacket designed by Bill Botten, and priced ‘£3.50 net in UK only’ to lower corner of front flap. Condition: Fine but for light spotting to top edge in fine dust jacket. Ref: 111691 Price: HK$ 22,000