First impression (shoo state)
1955- Copyright page
- First published 1955
- Jacket price
- 10s 6d
- Print run
- 9,900 (Confirmed by two sources, listed under sources)
- Binding
- Black cloth lettered in silver on the spine and upper board.
- Jacket
- Fleming's flame design executed by Kenneth Lewis.
Points of issue
- p.10, line 31Misprint shoo for shoot→ first impression, shoo state
- text blockThinner paper: the book bulks about 15mm→ shoo state
- jacket, front flapPriced 10s 6d→ first issue jacket
Traps and later printings: The same flame jacket artwork was reused into the 1970s, so check the book. Faded flames reduce value a great deal. The First Edition Library facsimile set copies the bindings, text and jackets; modern facsimile jackets are also often put on genuine books. Check that the jacket is unclipped and belongs to the impression.
Both readings belong to the first impression and dealers disagree on which came first, so neither is given priority here. Copies reading shoo usually sell at a premium.
Both readings belong to the first impression. Gilbert originally gave shoo priority and Sotheby's and most dealers follow him; Shapero reports Gilbert later suggested shoo arose part-way through the run, and Maggs's state lettering differs. Shoo copies usually command a premium. 9,900 is the figure for the whole first impression.
Value guide
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Values by condition appear once we have estimates or recorded sales for this printing.
Price history
Price history coming soon
Recorded sales of this printing appear here as we verify them.