|
|
|
|
RETURN TO IMAGES | Last updated 27 OCT 97.
|
Former British spy and author Ian Fleming was the creator of James Bond,
having included the debonair secret agent in over fifteen books and
short stories. Fleming's death in 1964, before the film version of Goldfinger was released, left the manuscript for the novel The Man with the Golden Gun unfinished. Fleming's estate arranged for someone else to finish the novel and it was eventually published in the U.S. in 1966. The estate attempted to revive the series with Kingsley Amis' 1968 Colonel Sun, but the novel was not well received. In 1980, Fleming's estate tried again, commissioning Englishman John Gardner to continue Bond's literary presence. The result was 1981's Licence Renewed, an exciting and danger-filled adventure that brought Bond back, with a new gun and a new car. At the same time Berkely Books began to reprint Fleming's older novels. The jacket cover designs for Fleming's original books included beautiful illustrations and were even considered works of art by some in the publishing world. Unfortunately, the designs for the new Fleming paperbacks released in the 80's were not as exciting. And in 1997, Raymond Benson took on Ian Fleming's mantle and brought Bond back to his roots. His first book, Zero Minus Ten, was well-received. It remains to be seen how he fares. Fleming's orginal books are very difficult to find and are now very valuable to Bond collectors. We have a couple of the books' first original paperback printings, some of which are shown here. Clicking on one of the thumbnails below will open a new window with the full-sized image. After viewing the images, simple close the window and continue browsing. |
Casino Royale by IanFleming First Macmillian edition published in the U.S. in 1953. Charter July 1987 cover shown. |
Live and Let Die by Ian Fleming First Macmillian edition published in the U.S. in 1954. Charter July 1987 cover shown. | ||
Moonraker by Ian Fleming First Macmillian edition published in the U.S. in 1955. Charter July 1987 cover shown. |
Diamonds are Forever by Ian Fleming First Macmillian edition published in the U.S. in 1956. Charter July 1987 cover shown. | ||
From Russia, With Love by Ian Fleming First Macmillian edition published in the U.S. in 1957. Charter July 1987 cover shown. |
Goldfinger by Ian Fleming First Macmillian edition published in the U.S. in 1959. Charter July 1987 cover shown. | ||
For Your Eyes Only collection by Ian Fleming Charter July 1987 cover shown. |
The Spy Who Loved Me by Ian Fleming First Viking edition published 1962. Charter July 1987 cover shown. | ||
On Her Majesty's Secret Service by Ian Fleming Signet 1963 cover shown (seventh printing). |
Colonel Sun by Robert Markham (Kingsley Amis) First Hamlyn UK edition published in 1968. HarperPaperbacks February 1993 cover shown. | ||
Licence to Kill movie adaptation by John Gardner Charter June 1989 cover shown. |
Icebreaker by John Gardner First G.P. Putnam edition published April 1983. Charter July 1987 cover shown. | ||
Triple "O" Seven by Ian R. Jamieson
Mystery Press March 1990 First Edition shown. |
GoldenEye movie adaptation by John Gardner
Boulevard September 1995 cover shown. |