First edition, first printing. Jonathan Cape, London 1961 (Gilbert A9a 1.1 First Edition, First Impression, Binding A). 'Thunderball' is the ninth James Bond novel and the first novel oft the 'Blofeld Trilogy' introduces the crime syndicate 'Spectre' and the leader Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Of all James Bond adversaries, the chief of 'Spectre'casts the darkest shadow. Book is fine. Publisher's black cloth with embossed skeleton hand design to upper board, gilt titles tospine. Binding is tight and square, corners are sharp, bright lettering to spine. Topedge of text block is a little dusty. Dustwrapper is fine. Unclipped with 15s original price and miniscule wear to the edges and slight tanning to the spine and the top edges of the jacket flaps. DW is now protected with a new transparent Adaptaroll sleeve. Collector's choice.