New York: Atheneum, 1964.  First edition.

Signed and inscribed by Donovan and dated in the year of publication.  

If the names James B. (Jim) Donovan and Colonel (Rudolf) Abel sound familiar, it’s likely from the Stephen Spielberg / Tom Hanks movie Bridge of Spies.

The movie tells the story of lawyer James B. Donovan (Hanks) negotiating the release of U-2 pilot Gary Powers and American student Frederic Pryor in exchange for convicted Soviet spy Rudolf Abel, a Colonel in the KGB whom Donovan represented at trial.

Donovan went on to negotiate the 1962 release of over 9,000 prisoners held by Cuba after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion.

Though not officially the basis for the movie, Donovan’s Strangers on a Bridge is the only first-hand narrative to the events, and it was a New York Times best seller when published a couple years after the exchange.

A close to very good copy, boards a little damp stained, tight and internally fine in a very good priced dust wrapper, small chip to top spine at front panel, two small closed tears, a little edgeworn.  A presentable copy of an uncommon book, scarce signed.