A very special deluxe set for Ian Fleming collectors.
Issued in a series of just 50, the set features a three-volume facsimile of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang first edition, plus a portfolio of two lithograph prints signed by John Burningham, the original illustrator.
A very special facsimile set of the first edition of Ian Fleming’s children’s story about the Pott family and their adventures with their magical car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Fleming wrote the novel for his son Caspar but didn't live to see it published before he died in August 1964. The set features the story as three separate volumes as it was in 1964 when first published by Jonathan Cape.
Bound in cloth with gold blocking and specially designed bindings, the book is split into three volumes, as it was in 1964-65 when first published by Jonathan Cape. Each volume contains Burningham's original illustrations, which have been specially re-worked by the artist for this release. The deluxe set comes in a grey slipcase accompanied by a portfolio of two ready-to-frame lithographs, hand signed and numbered.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was John Burningham's second commission. He said 'I was still in the early stages of my career as an illustrator when I was asked to work on this project, while Fleming had certainly reached fame with the Bond novels by then. It was slightly daunting to work with someone who clearly had a good idea how he wanted the illustrations to look. Sadly, due to his ill-health, we only met once when I showed him my drawings. He was happy with my work, although he asked me to change the logo on a petrol pump and add the sign of a tobacconist in Paris, which I am not entirely sure, I ever added.'
Made by. Queen Anne Press was founded in 1951 to publish limited editions by notable authors, and was managed in its early days by Ian Fleming. The company's manifesto today, continuing in the same tradition, is to produce good books by the best writers to the highest possible standard. It specialises in high-quality, one-off editions of a kind rarely found in mainstream publishing. Working in collaboration with Britain’s finest typographers, printers and binders the press uses traditional methods and materials to ensure that its books look and feel as good books should. They are volumes to treasure – stunning additions to any bookshelf.
