The Quiet American; The Eagle Has Landed; Funeral in Berlin.

GREENE, Graham; Jack Higgins; Len Deighton; [Sir Michael Caine].

$3,000.00

Item Number: 145475

London: Various Publishers, 1955-1975.

First editions of three novels that were adapted into films starring the distinguished Sir Michael Caine. Octavo, bound in half morocco over marbled boards by Scorpion Press with gilt titles in six compartments within raised bands, the set includes a first edition of Graham Greene’s ‘The Quiet American’ [London: William Heinemann Ltd, 1955, all edges green, one of fourteen lettered copies in the ‘Books Into Film’ series, this is letter G, captioned photograph of Michael Caine with lead actress Do Thi Hai Yen laid in]; a first edition of Len Deighton’s ‘Funeral in Berlin’ [London: Jonathan Cape, 1964, one of twelve lettered copies in the ‘Books Into Film’ series, this is letter G, captioned photograph of Michael Caine as German paratrooper Kurt Steiner and publisher’s review slip laid in]; and a first edition of Jack Higgins’s ‘The Eagle Has Landed’ [London: Collins, 1975, top stain purple, one of twelve lettered copies in the ‘Books Into Film’ series, this is letter G]. Each volume is signed by Sir Michael Caine on the limitation page with a “Sir Michael Caine – with compliments” printed slip laid in. ‘Funeral in Berlin’ and ‘The Eagle Has Landed’ are additionally signed by Len Deighton and Jack Higgins. ‘The Quiet American’ is signed by the author in facsimile. In fine condition. An exceptional group of signed first editions.

Sir Michael Caine has appeared in more than 160 films over a career spanning eight decades. Caine rose to prominence in the 1960s with roles in films like 'Zulu' (1964) and 'Alfie' (1966), for which he received his first Academy Award nomination. He gained international fame with his portrayal of secret agent Harry Palmer in the spy film series that began with 'The Ipcress File' (1965). However, it was his roles in iconic films such as 'The Italian Job' (1969), 'Get Carter' (1971), and 'The Eagle Has Landed' (1976) that solidified his status as one of Britain's most prominent actors. Caine's career continued to flourish in the 1980s and 1990s with films like 'Educating Rita' (1983), 'Hannah and Her Sisters' (1986), 'The Quiet American' (2002), and 'The Dark Knight Trilogy' (2005-2012), where he portrayed Alfred Pennyworth, Batman's loyal butler. In the 2000 Birthday Honours Caine was knighted (as Sir Maurice Micklewhite CBE) by Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace for his contributions to cinema.