Ian Fleming — The Diamond Smugglers

London, Jonathan Cape, 1957 . First edition. Cloth. Illustrated throughout, this is the first edition of this thrilling work of true crime by the creator of James Bond, Ian Fleming. The first edition, first impression, in the original unclipped dust wrapper. The standard issue, with white lettering to the back strip.With an introduction by John Blaze, a pseudonym for John Collard. This is one of only two non-fiction books by Ian Fleming, and is written in collaboration with John Collard and Sir Percy Sillitoe.  Collard was the MI5 agent who coordinated the uncovering and ending of a diamond smuggling racked during the 1950's in West Africa. Sir Percy Sillitoe was the former head of MI5 and founder of ISDO. Illustrated throughout with thirty-one black and white photographs on plates, and three maps. Collated, complete.A gripping true story regarding this major campaign against the greatest smuggling racket in the world. In the publisher's original cloth binding, with unclipped dust wrapper. Externally, fine. Dust wrapper back strip lightly sunned, with minor loss to back strip head. Three small closed tears to head of rear wrap, repaired with tape to the reverse. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright. Fine . Ill.: Not Stated. Fine/Very Good Indeed.