A first edition copy of Ian Fleming’s 007 novel Goldfinger, inscribed by the author to legendary golfer Sir Henry Cotton, could fetch a record price at auction.
The 1959 book features a famous golf match between James Bond and Auric Goldfinger in which the secret agent wins $10,000 from the villain after both use underhand tactics to win.
Fleming, who described the grudge match over 21 pages in his novel, presented the inscribed copy to his friend, the three-time Open champion Sir Henry, who was a fellow member at the Royal St George’s golf club in Kent.
Inside the 63-year-old hardback, the author wrote: “To Henry Cotton, Who may be amused by pp.92-113, Ian Fleming”.
The book, still in “excellent” condition, 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.
Cathy Marsden, Lyon & Turnbull 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. (SundayPost)