A History of The British Army. Volumes 1 & 2, First Part to the Close of the Seven Years War

FORTESCUE, The Hon. J.W. (1859-1933), [Ian Fleming association / Bondiana]

Published by London: Macmillan & Co., 1899

About this Item

[History] INSCRIBED FIRST EDITIONS. Two volumes. Large octavo (22 x 15 x 9cm). Handsomely bound in deep red half morocco, gilt, with gilt initials 'C.V.C.' to front cover. Formerly the property of Cecile Victoria, Lady Cunliffe CBE (née Sackville-West), later ownership of Hilary Bray (dated 1956). With author's signed inscription to second blank; With the best wishes of the author / J. W. Fortescue [underlined] / 1900. Some foxing, bindings a little rubbed. An attractive, very good pair. Hilary Bray (died ca.1990), was a school friend, golfing partner and lifelong companion of writer Ian Fleming. His name, elevated to Sir Hilary Bray, Baronet, was used as an alias of James Bond in the novel On Her Majesty's secret Service (1963), which was also dedicated to him. The Honourable Lady Cunliffe (1865-1955), President of the Girls' Friendly Society, was awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1920. Her niece, author Vita Sackville-West, was a Fleming family friend who contributed a poem to Ian Fleming's schoolboy publication 'The Wyvern' magazine (1925).

Seller Inventory # 66313

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A History of The British Army. Volumes 1 & 2, First Part to the Close of the Seven Years War
• Publisher: London: Macmillan & Co., 1899
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Signed: Signed
• Seller catalogs:
  • James Bond 007