FLEMING (IAN) Proof dust-jacket for 'Dr. No', designed by Pat Marriott, 1958

FLEMING (IAN) Proof dust-jacket for 'Dr. No', designed by Pat Marriott, in mint condition, the panels and spine the same width as the published jacket, but slightly taller and with extremely wide untrimmed flaps [cf. Gilbert A6a(1.1 or 1.2)], flaps c.140-150mm., the jacket fully extended c.580mm. wide, 1958 Footnotes: A MINT CONDITION EARLY PROOF DUST-JACKET, ORIGINATING FROM THE ESTATE OF ITS DESIGNER PAT MARRIOTT. This jacket, the final offering from the estate collection, is larger still than the already large one sold in these rooms on 29 March 2023 (lot 167). Like the last proof it corresponds to the first impression jacket, except that the 'Greek urn' circular device on the spine is bright white as opposed to off-white, and differing in the dimensions. The present jacket is another 2mm. taller (198mm.) than the last one offered, and has even wider inner flaps, to the extent that it would not fit around a copy of the book unless the flaps were trimmed. The design for Dr. No 'shows in a beautifully understated but provocative way, Honeychile Rider nude on the beach... Marriott's initial idea for Dr No was not to Fleming's liking and so she produced an entirely different idea and the result was the jacket that we know and love... This is the most extraordinary jacket for its time not least because Fleming's name, by being printed in black, is barely visible. And then the subdued colours, and indistinct figure and background are contrary to any designs of the period. In its own way, it would have stood out as much as any Chopping cover' (Graham Thomas, 'Pat Marriott - Bond illustrator', on Mid-Century Bond website, 2019). Provenance: Pat Marriott (Patricia Marriott, 1920-2002), designer of the dust-jackets of the first editions of Diamonds Are Forever and Dr. No, and the 1957 'playing card' edition of Casino Royale. Marriott was known as an illustrator of children's books and in 1954 had married Fleming's literary advisor and a director at Cape, Michael Howard, who drew the author's attention to her work; by descent until purchased by the present owner. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing