The Spy Who Loved Me

Jonathan Cape, London, 1962 | Second Impression | James Bond

One of the most unusual entries in Ian Fleming’s James Bond series, The Spy Who Loved Me stands apart from the other novels by telling its story largely through the eyes of its heroine, Vivienne Michel, with James Bond entering the story later as an unexpected rescuer.

Originally published by Jonathan Cape in 1962, this copy is the second impression, also published in 1962—the same year as the first impression. This places it very close to the book's original publication and makes it an appealing early Cape edition for a Fleming or James Bond collection.

Exceptionally Clean Copy

The standout feature of this particular book is its remarkably clean state of preservation.

The original publisher's hardcover binding is exceptionally clean for its age, with the boards and spine presenting very well and showing little of the discoloration or general handling wear frequently encountered on early Fleming hardcovers.

The condition continues inside. The pages are exceptionally clean, bright and fresh, with no noticeable foxing. There are no noted previous-owner inscriptions or significant interior blemishes. The page block is likewise clean and well preserved.

For a Jonathan Cape Bond hardcover more than sixty years old, the overall cleanliness of both the binding and interior is particularly noteworthy.