Adam Diment, The Dolly Dolly Spy. London, Michael Joseph 1967. First edition, first printing. 8 x 5 1/2. 199 pp. First spy novel with Philip McAlpine, swinging spy of the sixties. Cult status.

Today it must seem unusual that there would be so much furore over a spy novel, but then it was the mid sixties and Bondmania was big. Philip McAlpine dressed in the latest Mod fashions and used the most up to date slang. In other respects, however, The Dolly, Dolly Spy had all the necessary ingredients of the Sixties, Bondian spy fiction: lots of sex and lots of violence. Indeed, the plot of The Dolly, Dolly Spy is similar to other, contemporary spy novels – McAlpine must abduct a former member of the Waffen SS.

Adam Diment was only 22 when the book was published. He was also described as tall and good looking. He also dressed the part, wearing Regency suits and frilly shirts. Like McAlpine, Mr. Diment also loved beautiful girls. The two also had a less legal habit in common. Because its hero and its author both smoked marijuana, The Dolly, Dolly Spy did cause a bit of controversy upon its publication in the United Kingdom. It also proved to be a roaring success, something it would repeat in most of the seventeen countries in which it was published. It was in 1968 that United Artists bought the rights to The Dolly, Dolly Spy.

Four Philip McAlpine books appeared between 1967 and 1971 and the nothing. It is mystery why nothing more was heard of the character or the author. Since then the books have been revived – or the ethos of cool spies, mod culture and glamourous chicks in the Austin Powers films.

Condition: Fine in fine jacket.