A lovely unread copy of the quickly sold out signed numbered limited-edition of one of the most high profile and mysterious debut novel releases of recent years.   The American author 'Elly Conway' was clearly a pseudonym - and is also a lead protagonist in the blockbuster movie based on the book; this was announced in 2021, and completed filming before the book had been released.



The film was released in the US on 02/02/24, stars Henry Cavill as the titular character, Bryce Dallas Howard as the author Elly Conway, it is directed by Matthew Vaughn, and also features Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston and Dua Lipa.   Apple TV+ purchased the film rights in 2021 for around $200m and it is anticipated that there will be at least 2 more films in the series.



This highly unusual set of circumstances, and the huge money involved for a major film of a yet to be released debut novel, led to a great deal of speculation as to who 'Elly Conway' actually was.  The internet was 'on fire' with a 10-part theory of coincidences that excited fans of Taylor Swift into thinking it was her book.   Whilst there was no official denial of this theory by Miss Swift's people, as it was based on degrees of coincidence, this always seemed unlikely.  



On 2 February 2024, the day of the film's release, the true identity of 'Elly Conway' was finally revealed by The Daily Telegraph.  The book is a collaboration between Australian author, screenwriter and producer Terry Hayes (author of 'I Am Pilgrim ') and British thriller author and journalist Tammy Cohen (who has also written as Tamar Cohen and Rachel Rhys).





'Argylle ' published by Bantam (an imprint of Transworld) in London on 4 January 2024 as the trade edition, 1st edition, standard modern hardback, [x] + 368 pages. 






This is the special signed numbered limited edition of the book, which sold out ahead of release.  Flat hand signed by Elly Conway and hand numbered at the title page; this copy is number 196 from the worldwide release of only 500 copies.


In very fine unread condition, dustjacket in removable protective plastic sleeve.  All sides of the text block have a sprayed brown & yellow finish matching the dustjacket design.






The globe-trotting spy thriller that inspired the upcoming action blockbuster Argylle , featuring a star-studded cast including Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Dua Lipa, directed by Matthew Vaughn of Kingsman trilogy fame.




One Russian magnate's dream of restoring a nation to greatness has set in motion a chain of events which will take the world to the brink of chaos.  Only Frances Coffey, the CIA's most legendary spymaster, can prevent it.  But to do so, she needs someone special.



Enter Argylle.  His life came to a crashing halt as a teenager.  Since then he has been treading water, building barriers between himself and the world.  Until one moment of compassion and brilliance will bring him to the attention of the most powerful woman in the secret world.



Coffey knows all about Argylle's dark past.  She knows it haunts him.  But she also knows it may give him the skills to join the team going up against one of the most powerful men in the world.  His crash course in espionage will take him from the jungles of Thailand to the boulevards of Monaco, from the monasteries of Mount Athos to a forgotten cavern buried deep in the mountains.



It is a deathly rollercoaster ride that will either make him - or break him...









Estimated non-UK postage costs by signed for airmail delivery - Europe £18, Japan/Canada £28, Aus/NZ £31, US £32.   Additional books can always be added to a combined order for an additional postage cost based on extra 0.25kg bands of weight, with an extra postage cost per extra 0.25kg of £1.20 for Europe / £2.00 everywhere else - please contact if any questions.
 


 
 
 
Multiple items - Please review my other listings to see if there are any other items which are of interest to you.  I will be pleased to provide a suitable invoice for combined postage cost for 2 or more items.  If you have won an item and intend to bid on any other items which end on different days, I would be grateful if you would drop me a message.

Postage – All of my books are triple wrapped for delivery to maximise their safety - firstly in bubble wrap protection, secondly in either a padded envelope or a cardboard box, and finally in thick parcel paper.
 
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