James Bond first edition sells for £4k more than antiques valuation

A James Bond first edition book has sold for £4,000 more than its antiques valuation.

Casino Royale, written by creator of the series Ian Fleming, went under the hammer for £19,000 at an auction in South Cerney, Gloucestershire, the BBC reports.

As well as the tome that brought the character into the world, other 007 books were also purchased at the sale.

These included a copy of Live and Let Die - which fetched £6,600 - and a Moonraker edition sold for £7,200.

But this was no surprise to auctioneer Dominic Winter, who stated the "strikingly colorful" first edition books had been big certainties over the last 30 years.

He added: "The 007 film industry has helped that impetus by drawing in thousands of new fans keen to buy into the James Bond fantasy."

What's more, those who are keener to watch the character on TV rather than read about him in print might like to check out one of the many Bond films, such as GoldenEye.

Posted by John Folwell