Rare Uncorrected Proof Copy: Ian Fleming (Octopussy and The Living Daylights)
This entry showcases an authentic, primary-source piece of literary history, Cold War espionage lore, and James Bond bibliography: an official Jonathan Cape uncorrected proof copy of Octopussy and The Living Daylights by Ian Fleming.
Published posthumously in 1966 by Jonathan Cape, Octopussy and The Living Daylights represents the fourteenth and final James Bond book released in the official Ian Fleming canon. Following Fleming's passing in August 1964, Jonathan Cape assembled his remaining unpublished short stories into a final anthology. Originally containing two short stories—"Octopussy" and "The Living Daylights"—the collection provided crucial character depth and cinematic source material that later inspired blockbuster Eon Productions film adaptations starring Roger Moore and Timothy Dalton. Pre-publication advance proof copies like this were produced in extremely limited quantities strictly for internal press, reviewer, and editorial evaluation prior to the official first trade edition release.
This Crown 8vo uncorrected proof copy features Jonathan Cape's signature yellow paper covers patterned with white urn logos (
"J.C."). The front cover displays the printed title, author attribution ("IAN FLEMING"), and the publisher's advance designation ("Uncorrected Proof"), while the spine reads "OCTOPUSSY AND THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS" vertically.The 95-page volume contains the uncorrected preliminary text, including the publication statement noting "First published 1966," printing credits for Ebenezer Baylis & Son, Ltd., and the contents page listing both post-humous stories.
Accompanied by a detailed descriptive archival provenance slip verifying the publication parameters, page count, and historical context of this advance proof edition.
Preserved in fair to good vintage condition, the original yellow paper covers show light handling marks, minor spotting, and subtle creasing to the upper cover corners consistent with authentic advance press usage. The spine remains intact, with light internal foxing to the preliminary pages, making this rare pre-publication proof an essential centerpiece for Ian Fleming bibliophiles, James Bond archivists, and 20th-century literary collecting institutions.
Book & Edition Specifications
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JONATHAN CAPE UNCORRECTED PROOF: Advance pre-publication proof copy of Ian Fleming's final James Bond collection, published in 1966 in London.
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ORIGINAL PUBLISHER'S BINDING: Bound in original yellow paper wrappers featuring repeating white Jonathan Cape urn logo patterns.
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AUTHENTIC VINTAGE CONDITION: Crown 8vo softcover (95 pages) preserved with original paper covers, intact spine, and period handling patina.
Provenance & Bibliinternal Verification
-
HISTORIC PRE-PUBLICATION CANON: Features authentic pre-publication text settings for Ian Fleming's final posthumous James Bond release.
-
VERIFIED ARCHIVAL DOCUMENTATION: Includes an accompanying bibliographical description slip confirming publication details and edition metrics.
Rare Uncorrected Proof Copy: Ian Fleming (Octopussy and The Living Daylights)
This entry showcases an authentic, primary-source piece of literary history, Cold War espionage lore, and James Bond bibliography: an official Jonathan Cape uncorrected proof copy of Octopussy and The Living Daylights by Ian Fleming.
Published posthumously in 1966 by Jonathan Cape, Octopussy and The Living Daylights represents the fourteenth and final James Bond book released in the official Ian Fleming canon. Following Fleming's passing in August 1964, Jonathan Cape assembled his remaining unpublished short stories into a final anthology. Originally containing two short stories—"Octopussy" and "The Living Daylights"—the collection provided crucial character depth and cinematic source material that later inspired blockbuster Eon Productions film adaptations starring Roger Moore and Timothy Dalton. Pre-publication advance proof copies like this were produced in extremely limited quantities strictly for internal press, reviewer, and editorial evaluation prior to the official first trade edition release.
This Crown 8vo uncorrected proof copy features Jonathan Cape's signature yellow paper covers patterned with white urn logos (
"J.C."). The front cover displays the printed title, author attribution ("IAN FLEMING"), and the publisher's advance designation ("Uncorrected Proof"), while the spine reads "OCTOPUSSY AND THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS" vertically.The 95-page volume contains the uncorrected preliminary text, including the publication statement noting "First published 1966," printing credits for Ebenezer Baylis & Son, Ltd., and the contents page listing both post-humous stories.
Accompanied by a detailed descriptive archival provenance slip verifying the publication parameters, page count, and historical context of this advance proof edition.
Preserved in fair to good vintage condition, the original yellow paper covers show light handling marks, minor spotting, and subtle creasing to the upper cover corners consistent with authentic advance press usage. The spine remains intact, with light internal foxing to the preliminary pages, making this rare pre-publication proof an essential centerpiece for Ian Fleming bibliophiles, James Bond archivists, and 20th-century literary collecting institutions.
Book & Edition Specifications
-
JONATHAN CAPE UNCORRECTED PROOF: Advance pre-publication proof copy of Ian Fleming's final James Bond collection, published in 1966 in London.
-
ORIGINAL PUBLISHER'S BINDING: Bound in original yellow paper wrappers featuring repeating white Jonathan Cape urn logo patterns.
-
AUTHENTIC VINTAGE CONDITION: Crown 8vo softcover (95 pages) preserved with original paper covers, intact spine, and period handling patina.
Provenance & Bibliinternal Verification
-
HISTORIC PRE-PUBLICATION CANON: Features authentic pre-publication text settings for Ian Fleming's final posthumous James Bond release.
-
VERIFIED ARCHIVAL DOCUMENTATION: Includes an accompanying bibliographical description slip confirming publication details and edition metrics.
