First edition, first impression. 318pp. In black textured cloth-covered boards with gilt titles on spine, skull design blind embossed on front panel with gold leaf coins in eye sockets. Stated first published 1959 on copyright page with no further references to later printings. List of previous Bond thrillers opposite title page runs to Dr. No. 12mo. Cloth a little pushed at spine ends, gently rounded on corners. Faint spotting on text block edges. Gift inscription inked on front free endpaper, endpapers a little marked else neat, clean, bright and tight throughout. In its original dust jacket, designed by Richard Chopping, price clipped, a little bumped at edges, lightly chipped on corners with minor loss at spine ends and some shelf wear and toning visible on rear panel. Half of the inner front flap with taken up with a review of Goldfinger, while the lower half has review for Dr. No. (Later state jackets had a longer review of Goldfinger). Dust jacket now protected in an archival-quality Mylar wrapper fitted without the use of tape or adhesives.
