A signed first edition copy of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novel Goldfinger is going to auction in Edinburgh.
The book, still in ‘excellent’ condition, it will go under the hammer in Lyon & Turnbull auctioneers’ sale of Rare Books, Manuscripts, Maps & Photographs on Wednesday.
Valued at up to £40,000, it is expected to attract bids from Bond collectors as well as those with an interest in golf.
The 1959 novel is inscribed by Fleming to golfer Sir Henry Cotton, who won the Open in 1934 at Royal St George’s, in 1937 at Carnoustie and in 1948 at Muirfield.
- Read Scottish Field’s guide to 007’s Scottish connections HERE.
The book, the seventh of Fleming’s novels to feature 007, features a golf match between James Bond and Auric Goldfinger, and later was adapted as the third Bond film in 1964, which starred Sean Connery.
The film adaptation cemented Bond’s place as a movie icon, introducing his gadget-laden Aston Martin DB5, larger than life villains with notable henchmen with Goldfinger and Oddjob, the smart quips (‘Do you expect me to talk?’, asks Bond. ‘No Mr Bond, I expect you to die!’ replied Goldfinger), and Bond girls with memorable names, such as Pussy Galore.
A copy of Goldfinger dedicated to golfer Henry Cotton signed by Ian Fleming (Photo: Stewart Attwood)
Inside the 63-year-old hardback, the author wrote: ‘To Henry Cotton, Who may be amused by pp.92-113, Ian Fleming’.
Cathy Marsden, Lyon & Turnbull’s Assistant Head of Rare Books, Manuscripts and Photo, said: ‘Goldfinger was first published in 1959, and centres on James Bond’s investigation into Auric Goldfinger’s gold smuggling activities.
‘Pages 92-113 of the novel concentrate on a golfing contest between Bond and Goldfinger, who dislike each other intensely. Goldfinger attempts to claim victory by cheating, but Bond, of course, wins the game.
‘This scene reflects Ian Fleming’s passion for golf. Bond enters the match with a handicap of nine, the same as the author’s, and the match takes place at the fictional Royal St Marks Golf Course, a location based on Fleming’s golf club, Royal St George’s at Sandwich in Kent.
‘Sir Henry Cotton was also a member of Royal St George’s and the two men formed a friendship.’
Find out more about the lot and bidding HERE.
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