Diamonds Are Forever.

First edition of the fourth novel in Ian Fleming’s James Bond series. Octavo, original black cloth (Gilbert’s type A, no priority), spine lettered in silver, silver diamond motif on front cover. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper “To Gomer & Edith To read in the Sun! With affection from Ian." The recipients being the press baron Gomer Berry, 1st Viscount Kemsley (1883-1968), and his wife Marie Edith (1888-1976). It was Viscount Kemsley who employed Fleming as the foreign manager of his Sunday Times newspaper, and enabled him to write the Bond novels by giving him generous paid leave. Throughout their working relationship, Kemsley regarded Fleming as a favoured son. Although by no means a senior figure in the Kemsley organization, Fleming was the only person in the building who would call Kemsley and his wife by their first names - as shown here, with his inscription of “Gomer & Edith” rather than using their titles - and frequently saw them both socially. It was a mutually beneficial relationship: Fleming soon brought the ailing Sunday Times glamour, social cachet and credibility, and in return was given the means and opportunity to pursue his lifestyle with little inconvenience, ultimately leading to the creation of James Bond. Near fine in a near fine dust jacket. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. An exceptional association copy.