Ian Fleming | Autograph letter signed, thanking 'John' (Hayward) for a book review, [1953]

Ian Fleming

Autograph letter signed, thanking the recipient 'John' (Hayward) for a favourable review (of Casino Royale)

12mo, 2pp., n.d. [1953], on blue headed paper with 16 Victoria Square address, slight crease and fold marks

exclaiming to "My dear John", "What an enchanting review - of any book. But twice it is of mine I can only say thank you very much.", stating "I shall now really have to try" and concluding "warm gratitude for your sapient & most kindly comments".

A WARM LETTER, PROBABLY TO LITERARY CRITIC AND CLOSE FRIEND OF FLEMING, JOHN HAYWARD.

Written from Fleming's house at 16 Victoria Square, SW1, showing the personal nature of this note, this letter is most likely to John Hayward, the critic and literary editor who worked with Fleming at the Book Collector. Fleming had moved to Victoria Square from Cheyne Walk in March 1953, and Casino Royale was published in April that year. Hayward received an advance copy, and indeed continued to receive proofs and presentation copies of Fleming's later works.

Fleming always maintained that writing Casino Royale was straightforward and quick (completed within a month), yet his later novels required more research, input and time. Therefore, the text of this letter, "you make me feel I shall now really have to try - and that might be fatal" alludes to this.