Live and Let Die - Inscribed to Muriel Williams

London: Cape, 1955. A first edition, first printing published by Cape in 1954. Inscribed by the Author on the front free end-paper: "To/ MW/ The faithful &/ true!/ from/ The Author". With an additional ownership inscription and date (1954) of M J Williams on the front paste-down. The book is accompanied by the correct first state dust wrapper without the artist's (Kenneth Lewis] credit on the front flap. Correctly priced at 10s.6d. net to both the front and rear flaps. There are a few very small internal neat repairs and there is some creasing to the edges and corners with a little light loss to the corners also. Some light soiling to the rear panel as is usual. Muriel Williams (often referred to as MJW or MW) was Fleming's Assistant at Kemsley Newspapers when he was the Foreign Manager. She was responsible for the day-to-day running of the Department in particular liaison with the "stringers" who, from far flung parts of the World, submitted stories for inclusion in the Kemsley Publications (including the Sunday Times). The dust wrapper artist, Kenneth Lewis (who worked in the Art Department at Kemsley), remembers her well commenting on her flat-chested appearance, strong and forceful personality, her use of bright red lipstick and that Fleming deferred to her. Fleming inscribed several of his other early novels to her, including Casino Royale and Moonraker. This book has been in private hands for many years.