Goldfinger

Jonathan Cape, London, 1959 | Second Impression | Early James Bond Edition

One of the defining novels of the James Bond series, Goldfinger introduced readers to Auric Goldfinger and his audacious plan involving Fort Knox. Published by Jonathan Cape in 1959, the novel later became the basis for the enormously successful 1964 film starring Sean Connery.

This copy is the second impression of the first UK edition, published in 1959—the same year as the first impression. Early Jonathan Cape impressions of Fleming's Bond novels have become increasingly collectible, and this is an appealing opportunity to own a very early copy of one of the most recognizable titles in the series.

The book is bound in the publisher's original black cloth with the distinctive blind-stamped skull design and gold coins to the front board, one of the most memorable bindings among the original Cape Bond books.

The real strength of this copy is its remarkably clean interior.

For a Fleming hardcover approaching seventy years old, the pages are exceptionally fresh and well preserved. There is very minimal foxing internally, with the text remaining clean, bright and attractive throughout. There are no noted previous-owner inscriptions.

There is some foxing and age-related spotting to the exterior page block, but this is considerably more noticeable at the closed edges than it is once the book is opened. The contrast is worth emphasizing: the interior itself is unusually clean for an early 1959 copy.

The original dust jacket is no longer present.