It doesn't actually mention James Bond on the front of the slightly frayed, red-purple dust jacket, just 'Live and Let Die' in yellow lettering.

Below is the name Ian Fleming with "the author of Casino Royale".

Presumably that book's name was better known than that of the hero.

The book was donated unceremoniously with a pile of other books in a bin bag, but the shop owners are assuming it was intended generously just the same.

It's actually the shop's second piece of luck with Bond after it received and sold a first edition of From Russia with Love last year.

From Russia with Love was made into one of Sean Connery's best Bond films, and is also famous for its theme song written by Paul McCartney.

The book is estimated at £600-800, this seems a conservative estimate for a first edition complete with dust jacket as Bond books can sell for thousands.

The auction will take place in Oxford on 29 Sep 2009. 

www.paulfrasercollectibles.com 

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