Bond inspiration's books on sale
Updated on 03 September 2008
A set of rare James Bond novels are expected to sell for £20,000 at auction later.
The full collection of Ian Fleming's 007 books come from the library of the late Sir Fitzroy Maclean - the man thought to be part of the inspiration for one the world's most famous spies.
The collection, which includes a rare first edition of Casino Royale, is going under the hammer at Lyon and Turnbull in Edinburgh.
Sir Fitzroy, a former soldier, diplomat and Conservative MP, was a friend of Fleming's and widely believed to have been the role model for Bond.
Simon Vickers, book specialist at Lyon and Turnbull, said: "Various models have been suggested as the prototype for modern fiction's most famous hero, and of them all, Sir Fitzroy Maclean is one of the most plausible."
A spokeswoman for Lyon and Turnbull added: "This is a particularly interesting and unusual collection as it comes from the library of the man who was possibly one of the influences for James Bond."
Sir Charles, son of Sir Fitzroy, added: "The books have been in my father's library since he died in 1996 and the family decided they should be sold so that they can be treasured by a collector of Ian Fleming's works.
"They gave my father much pleasure and I hope they will bring someone else the same."
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