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Hey, if it worked for Ian Fleming, who am I to differ..."The scent and dust and sweat of an antiquarian book store or movie memorabilia show are nauseating at three in the afternoon. Then the soul - erosion produced by high negotiations - a compost of greed and fear and nervous tension - becomes unbearable and the senses awake and revolt from it." I figure you're probably here because you have some "stuff", are interested in obtaining more "stuff" or want to learn more about "stuff" you already own. God help you because "stuff" can be quite expensive. If your collection of "Bond stuff" is just starting out, trust me on this one. Maybe a little personal background is in order here. Back in 1965 Tom Zielinski (our illustrious co-publisher) and myself were invited to a friend's birthday party and attended a screening of "Goldfinger". I think some of my neurons shorted out and fused about the time Bond was attempting to escape from Auric Enterprises in the Aston Martin DB-5. After many years and a couple thousand Bond items later, I have finally admitted to myself that those neurons are still fried and are irreparable.
THE NOVELS
The logical place to start talking about collecting is the works of Ian Fleming, where it all started. The Bond books have been printed in scores of different languages and editions. When he died in '64, over 40 million copies of his books had already been sold, (amazing for somebody who reportedly wrote only to take his mind off the shock of getting married at the age of forty-three!). However for the Bond book collector, nirvana is found in the British Jonathan Cape first editions. Just to give you an idea of what these are worth, ebay recently had a listing of all fourteen Jonathan Cape first editions, in dust jackets, with a "buy it now" price of $ 50,000.00. The auction ended with a high bid of $ 17,400.00, however the reserve price had not been met! All well and good if your name is Willard Whyte! Admittedly, the bulk of this sum is for the first edition of "Casino Royale", with an initial print run of just 4,750 pieces, it now goes for up to $ 20,000.00 alone or higher, depending on the condition of the dust jacket. However, the last six or so novels are reasonably easier to acquire at a much more down to earth price (due to the much higher print run after the "Bond phenomenon" started).Two significant exceptions to this, are the OHMSS signed limited edition (250 copies) with a portrait of Fleming by Amherst Villiers and the first state of The Man with the Golden Gun with an embossed Colt revolver printed in gilt on the front board, but more on those later Although a purist (snob?) may look down his nose at anything except the Cape first editions, by no means should you ignore the American first editions of Macmillan, Viking and The New American Library. In some instances, the dust jackets are exactly the same as their British cousins, including some of those by acclaimed British artist and author Richard Chopping. For those on a limited budget, the paperbacks editions of Fleming's novels are really enjoyable to collect. The British "Pan" paperbacks have some very unique and interesting artwork and most can be had for just a few dollars each. However, that is a whole different story and worth a lengthy article by itself. For this installment, I'll try to do my best to try to plow through just the British and American first editions. Why? Well hopefully, you will find some interesting information that you didn't already know, but one of my main purposes is to try to help you identify something that is a true collectible. There are more than a few people out there that are unknowingly (or in some cases, on purpose!), offering facsimile copies of the first editions, selling first editions with a later edition jacket or even more astoundingly, selling book club editions as true first editions. If you find that difficult to believe, check out ebay, or better yet, contact me, I have some books that may interest you.
Black faux cloth paper, over boards, with a red heart stamped to the front board. Both the Cape logo at the foot as well as the title on the spine, are also printed in red. First printing verso of title page reads "First Published 1953" at the top with no later printings shown and printing information, including "Western Printing Services Ltd." in three lines at the bottom. Plain endpapers. The dust jacket (originally designed by Fleming) was executed by Kenneth Lewis and depicts nine red hearts, four on both vertical edges, each with a drop below it and one in the middle within a wreath. The wreath, title and authors name are printed in yellow with a background of battleship gray. The back of the jacket is primarily white (usually found soiled) and has a sketch of Fleming in "Room 39" of the British Naval Intelligence by Robert Bartlett, done during the war years along with a short Fleming biography. The inside front flap does not have a review from the Sun Times as is shown in subsequent printings.
Capes archives indicate the total size of the first edition was 4,728 copies, less than half of those were sold commercially, with the remainder being delegated for public libraries!
The Macmillan Company
Forest green glazed buckram with title tipped in red and plain end papers. First printing so stated on the verso of the title page and no later printings indicated. Dust jacket by Leo Manso of what looks like a pen and ink drawing of the top two-thirds of a mans head and a nine of diamonds playing card. The overall color scheme is red, green and white, which is very subject to fading. The first edition jacket has square cut front flap corners as opposed to the second edition, which has angle cut corners. Apparently Macmillan's practice at the time was to print the jacket with various prices on the corner of the front flap and trim them to show the price they eventually decided upon!
The title page of the first printing verso reads "First Printed 1954" near the top with a three line credit to "The Alden Press" at the bottom. Black cloth pattern paper over boards with a gilt, Edward IV golden rose noble coin stamped to it. Title and Jonathan Cape logo also printed in gilt on the spine. Plain endpapers. The dust jacket was printed with a maroon background (reportedly, it was originally scheduled to be done in royal blue, but this was changed by the publishers at the last minute) with the title, Fleming's name and "author of Casino Royale in yellow. There were actually three states to the first edition dust jacket. The first state gave no credits for the design of the jacket. After the printers realized this omission, credit was added immediately below the blurb on the front flap, stating in two lines; "Jacket devised by the author/and executed by Kenneth Lewis", this is the second state. The third state has some space between the blurb and the jacket credits. The third state jacket can also be found on the second impression of the book. All three versions were available to the public on the publication date, however, the first and third state command a higher market price. There is no illustration to the jacket, except a small reproduction of the coin stamped on the front boards, which has also been duplicated on the spine.
According to Jonathan Cape's archives, there were 7,500 copies of the first edition printed.
The Macmillan Company
First printing so stated on the verso of the title page with no later printings shown. Very dark navy blue cloth pattern paper over boards with a yellow "Cock Robin Thriller" square logo printed on the lower right corner of the top board. The author's last name, the title and publisher name are printed in the same yellow ink on the spine. Plain endpapers. The jacket, designed by Leo Manso, shows a stylized illustration of a scuba diver, complete with spear gun in the background, with octopus tentacles reaching up for him in silhouette. In the foreground are illustrations of five gold coins. The title is printed on the front cover in white. Fleming's name, along with the words: "by the author of Casino Royale" and "A Cock Robin Thriller" (in the lower right corner) are all printed in yellow. The spine has the title, the Cock Robin Thriller logo and the publisher's name in white, with the author's name in yellow. The back of the jacket has reviews for Casino Royale, A Flag in the City by Christopher Landon, The Spectacle by Rayne Kruger and the publisher's name against a white background. The front flap has a synopsis of the plot and the Cock Robin thriller logo, which is printed in blue. The issue price is printed vertically in the upper right corner. The back flap reproduces nine U.K. review quotes for this title.
The first printing verso of the title page reads "First Published 1955" near the top and a three line imprint including the "Western Printing Services Ltd." at the bottom. Black cloth patterned paper over boards. The title is printed on the front board near the top in silver, with the author's name, title and the Jonathan Cape logo printed in silver on the spine. Plain endpapers. For some reason, the book was printed on two different weights of paper, 15mm and 19mm thickness, with no priority established. The 19mm is of higher quality, with the 15mm tending to discolor. The front flap of the jacket shows the following credit line on the bottom bellow a blurb "Jacket devised by the author/and executed by Kenneth Lewis", the back shows reviews of Casino Royale and Live and Let Die. In my opinion, this jacket illustration has the weakest design of all the Jonathan Cape editions. The design depicts what one would guess, as the flames from the Moonraker rocket, done in white, yellow and orange. This is also one of the hardest dust jackets to find in fine condition, due to rapid fading and the fact that it tended to get dirty by just looking at it!
The Cape archives show that about 9,900 copies of the first edition were produced.
The Macmillan Company
First printing so stated on the verso of the title page with no other printings shown. Pastel green buckram boards, with the printing done in darker green ink. Plain endpapers. The jacket is once again, done by Leo Manso, with a skeletal hand pressing what would seem to be an ignition button along with a 1950's cartoon-like rocket, along with curved line designs. Printed in red, green and white against a black background, in my opinion, it is much more satisfying than the Jonathan Cape jacket.
First printing verso of the title page states near the top "First Published 1956", with three lines printed at the bottom, including; "The Alden Press", again there is no indications of later printings. Black cloth pattern paper over boards with diamond shapes embossed into it. There is a silver stamped "baguette" (rectangular) cut diamond the middle of the front board. Lettering on the spine with the Cape logo at the foot are all printed in silver. Plain endpapers.
This has an interesting dust jacket illustration, depicting the lower one-third of a blond women's head with pink lipstick, ending above where her navel would be. She is dressed in a black, satin like dress with plunging neckline and a "pear" shaped diamond affixed to the dress at the base of the plunging neckline. The first attempt by an artist (Pat Marriot, un-credited until later pressings) of the Cape jackets thus far, to use a somewhat lifelike rendering. The authors name and the word "Forever" on the front cover are printed in pink, with the words "Diamonds are" in white. The pink ink was prone to very quick fading. There is a blurb for the book printed on the front end-flap with reviews of Live and Let Die and Moonraker on the back flap. The back cover has a back and white photo of Fleming by Douglas Glass, along with a short biography.
The Macmillan Company
First printing so stated on the verso of the title page with no other printings indicated. Done in Gray buckram over boards with red and dark green lettering. Plain endpapers In my opinion, the dust jacket is a step backwards from the previous Macmillan release. Designed by H. Lawrence Hoffman, the jacket depicts a very stylized sketch of a man's hand with ten diamonds in it and a bloodstain underneath.
First printing verso of the title page shows "First Published 1957" near the top with no indications of later printings, again with the three line "The Alden Press", etc., at the bottom of the page. The whole first edition thing with this novel gets a little weird here. It seems that the first run of sheets were rejected by Jonathan Cape as being defective and were subsequently sold and used in The Foyles Book Club edition. New sheets were then printed and resulted with a true first edition size of 15,000.
Black cloth pattern paper over boards. The front board has the customized Smith & Wesson .38 with the sawed off barrel and a rose in silver and bronze. The spine is also lettered in silver and bronze, the Jonathan Cape logo is located at the foot. Plain endpapers.
The first Bond of the "still life", photo realistic dust jackets illustrated by Richard Chopping and designed by the author. In my opinion, this artwork has yet to be surpassed for idea and execution on a Bond novel. The back of jacket has reviews of Diamonds Are Forever. This novel is generally considered to be one of Fleming's best.
The Macmillan Company
First printing so stated on the verso of the title page with no later printings indicated. The boards are covered in light tan buckram, with all printing done in black. The endpapers are white. This is the first time that the British and American jackets used the same cover art. However, they do not give credit to Richard Chopping or the author. The back of the jacket has a small black and white photo of Fleming by Douglas Glass, against a white background, with "Commander Ian Fleming R.N.V.R." printed black italics in the lower right corner. The front flap has a blurb regarding this title and there are reviews of Casino Royale, Live and Let Die, Moonraker and Diamonds Are Forever on the back flap. This is the book that generated a lot of interest in the Bond series, due to an article in Life magazine, recounting John F. Kennedy's 10 favorite books, if which this was one. After publication of the magazine, all hell broke loose in the United States.
First printing so stated on the verso of the title page "First Published 1958 / © 1958 by Glidrose Productions Ltd" at the top and the usual three line at the bottom, including "The Alden Press". No indications of later printings. The total first edition print run came to 20,000 copies. Black cloth patterned paper over boards. For some reason the first edition was printed with two different front boards. One has a dark brown silhouette of a girl facing away with her arms upraised at the elbow and some foliage surrounding her, like that found on the dust jacket, possibly meant to depict Honeychile Rider. The other rarer version has no illustration at all. The spine lettering along with the Jonathan Cape logo at the base are done in silver.
Once again, the illustrator of the jacket is Pat Marriot and is so indicated on the rear flap. Since I like more detailed illustrations, this is not one of my favorites, but it does tend to grow on you over time.
The Macmillan Company
The first printing is stated on the copyright page. Again, there is no indication of later issue. Black buckram over boards with all lettering in red. The dust jacket (done by H. Lawrence Hoffman) on the left, shows a very stylized illustration of an octopus blowing bubbles (?). Along the right side is a drawing of a male figure, obviously Dr. No, in kimono like clothing. Overall a very disappointing design and rendering, which would seem more at home on a comic book cover. One other noteworthy item is that the full word of Doctor is spelled out in the title, as opposed to the British version, which uses the "Dr." abbreviation.
On the reverse of the title page it states at the top; "First Published 1959/© 1959 by Glidrose Productions Ltd.", with no mention of subsequent printings. The bottom of the page has printing credits to the "The Alden Press". There were 24,000 copies of the first edition released.
Black cloth pattern paper over board, showing a blind-stamped skull with gold-stamped coins in the eye sockets. The title as well as the Jonathan Cape logo located at the bottom of the spine are also gilt stamped. Plain endpapers.
Starting with Goldfinger, all subsequent Jonathan Cape Bond dust jackets are executed by Richard Chopping. The front of the jacket illustrates the skull, with gilt coins as found on the front board, but also integrates a rose with the stem emanating from between the skulls teeth. The front flap has a blurb for Goldfinger at the top and one for Doctor No at the bottom. The back flap shows reviews for The Diamond Smugglers, and the back of the jacket lists reviews of Casino Royale, Live and Let Die, Moonraker, Diamonds Are Forever and From Russia With Love.
The Macmillan Company
One the reverse of the title page, near the top, is the following; "First Published 1959/© 1959 by Glidrose Productions Ltd." and a line on the bottom that reads "Printed in Great Britain". The explanation for this is that the first American edition used British sheets together with a Macmillan title page! The total number of first editions released, came to just 7,500 copies. The similarities with the Jonathon Cape first edition, does not end there. The book itself is bound in the exact same manner indicated above, with the exception of "Macmillan" replacing the Jonathan Cape logo, leading one to believe that they were possibly produced by the same firm. I can't verify this one way or the other. The Macmillan jacket is the same as the Jonathan Cape jacket with a few minor exceptions, such as the omission of The Diamond Smugglers on the back and of course, the price!
The reverse of the title page (which is actually printed in two colors, black and red!) reads: "First Published 1960/© 1960 by Glidrose Productions Ltd." at the top and "Richard Clay & Company. Ltd" etc. at the bottom with no indications of later printings. This book is actually comprised of five James Bond short stories, From a View to a Kill, For Your Eyes Only, Quantum of Solace, Risico, and The Hildebrand Rarity. Black cloth patterned paper over boards with an eye design stamped in white on the front board. The spine lettering is also white with the Jonathan Cape logo being gilt-stamped at the foot. Plain endpapers. There were 21,712 copies of the first edition printed up. The Chopping dust jacket is a little different from the rest of his art, showing a blue-gray eye spying out a peek hole, just above a nameplate with "Ian Fleming" printed on it. Roughly the top third of the jacket shows a ripped piece of paper with the title printed in red. All in all, an interesting design that also tends to grow on you after a while, this is the only rendering Chopping did, that is not on a horizontal surface, which is why, upon first inspection, it seems different from all of his other Bond jackets. Another reason it looks different, is because this is the only Jonathan Cape, Bond dust jacket with a glossy surface! Rumor has it (although unsubstantiated) that Fleming had Chopping repaint the eye several times until he was satisfied with the color. It was reportedly Bond's!
The front flap has blurbs for this title and Goldfinger, the back flap has two more, for Doctor No and The Diamond Smugglers. The back of the jacket promotes Casino Royale, Live and Let Die, Moonraker, Diamonds are Forever and From Russia With Love.
The Viking Press
The first Bond book for Viking and it shows absolutely nothing that would show it as a first edition, although to make it a little easier on us, all later printings are indicated. The jacket shows the same artwork as the Jonathan Cape, but for some reason, it was printed much darker.
On the reverse of the title page you will find the following; "First Published 1961/© 1961 by Glidrose Productions Ltd." at the top and "Richard Clay and Company Ltd." printing information in three lines at the bottom. No indications of later printings. A little hint, if you see the name of Kevin McClory anywhere in the credits, it ain't a first edition, that's a WHOLE different story! Black cloth patterned paper over boards, with a blind stamp of the skeletal hand found on the dust jacket. The lettering and Jonathan Cape logo are in gilt on the spine. Plain endpapers. There were 50,938 copies of the first edition released.
Chopping does it again with arguably one of the most recognizable images (save that of From Russia With Love) in the whole series. Although the skeletal hand devise had previously been used on the Macmillan Moonraker, there is absolutely no comparison. The knife and playing cards fill out the "still life" quality of the art to perfection. Chopping is credited for the illustration on the back flap, however, once again it is copyrighted by Ian Fleming. The front flap has a blurb about Thunderball and mini biography of Fleming, which continues to the rear flap. The back of the jacket is a full bleed black and white photo of Fleming.
The Viking Press
As is Viking's policy, on the copyright page, there is no indication of any printing information. As mentioned before, later printings are indicated. Yellow buckram with all lettering and the Viking logo on the front cover, printed in red. White endpapers. Viking decided to do original jacket art this time around and it's fantastic! The design is attributed to S.A. Summit, Inc. and shows the Disco Volante at speed under a rather spooky, spiraling moonlit sky. Although at this point, wehave all been spoiled by Chopping's images, in my opinion this is the strongest and most atmospheric artwork on all of the American first editions and should be sought out simply for the artwork. The title on the jacket cover and spine are done in white, with the authors name in yellow. The back of the jacket has a blurb regarding the book in red against a white and yellow blocked background. The publisher's name is in black against a blue striped background. The front flap has another blurb about this title along with some reviews, leading into a short bio that continues on the back flap with a black and white photo of Fleming.
The first printing information is indicated on the reverse of the title page as follows; "First Published 1962/7copy; 1962 by Glidrose Productions Ltd", with no indications of later printings. The bottom of the same page has four lines of printing information, including "The Alden Press". 30,000 copies of the first edition were released. Black cloth patterned paper over boards, with a dagger devise stamped on the top board, it's blade in silver as is the lettering and Jonathan Cape logo on the spine. The endpapers are solid red.
The front flap of the dust jacket, has a quote from Vivienne Michel, the back flap is blank. The back of the jacket has seven review quotes for Thunderball printed in black against a white background. The Richard Chopping art is credited with a copyright by Ian Fleming again and an acknowledgment to Wilksinson Swords Ltd., crediting the dagger. I am not totally enamored with the design of this jacket, the title of the book on the front is written by hand on part of a burned piece of lined paper with a red carnation and two spent wooden matches laying on top, a commando dagger pins the paper to a wooden surface. In my opinion, this is the weakest of the Chopping jackets.
The Viking Press
The copyright page states nothing about any printings at all, as previously noted. Later printing identified. Light brown buckram boards with the author's name, the title, Viking logo and name all printed in dark brown. The endpapers are solid brown. The front of the dust jacket has the same Chopping artwork found on the Jonathan Cape edition. The jacket back has a black and white photo of Fleming by Jerry Bauer along with a short bio of the author. The front flap shows a blurb for this title, with a quotation from Life magazine printed in red at the bottom. The are reviews for Thunderball and The Spy Who Loved Me on the back flap.
First printing on the reverse of the title page states " First published 1963/© 1963 by Glidrose Productions Ltd. An edition of 250 numbered copies had been printed on special paper, with a frontispiece portrait by Amherst Villiers, and signed by the author". There are four lines of printing information (The Alden Press) at the bottom of the same page. No indications of later printings. There were 45,000 total regular first editions. Black cloth patterned paper over boards, white ski tracks on front board. The spine has the authors name "O.H.M.S.S." and the Jonathan Cape logo at the foot, all printed in silver. Once again, a fantastic dust jacket (credited to Richard Chopping on the back flap and copyrighted by Ian Fleming) depicting an artist's hands, drawing Bond's coat-of arms on a piece of paper laying on a wooden table. Front flap has a short blurb about O.H.M.S.S., the back flap shows a black and white detail of the Amherst Villiers portrait previously mentioned and the titles and year of the previous Bond novels. The back of the jacket has blurbs regarding Dr. No; "(Now a highly successful film)", From Russia With Love "(To be filmed during 1963)", Thunderball and The Spy Who Loved Me, all printed in black against a white background.
This scarcity was released for "63S," at the same time as the standard first edition. The special paper was mould-made, making this edition is a little thicker. It also includes special color portrait insert, reproducing an original done by Amherst Villiers. Fleming's blue signature and the number of the edition are found on page 4. The title page is printed in red and black. This edition was also printed by The Alden Press and bound by A.W. Bain and Co., Ltd. Black cloth-pattern paper over boards, white parchment like back. The top board has the same white ski-track design. There is a gilt line where the black and white meet on the back. The lettering and Jonathan Cape logo are stamped in gilt on the spine. Top edge is gilt. Issued in clear, protective mylar jacket.
The stated edition size of 250 pieces was not quite accurate, as some un-numbered copies marked "Presentation", have surfaced. Evidently these extra copies were produced to be given away by the publisher and Fleming. Cape Archives reportedly show that 293 copies were produced.
The New American Library
Black buckram and with blue paperboards, there is a black Ian Fleming facsimile autograph on the cover. The lettering, some line devices and the NAL logo are done in gilt. The dust jacket, credited to Paul Bacon, has a simple, but very strong layout comprising of a gold heraldic beast (a griffon) holding a Walther PPK against a solid white background. The author's name and the title of the book are an integral part of the design as well. The back of the dust jacket has a large black and white photograph of Fleming with his name and the title printed in black.
Check the copyright page carefully on this one. What is generally considered the first state of the first impression for this book, has the following as the first line of the copyright page "First Published 1964", the second state of the first impression reads "First Published March 1964". Both versions seem to have been available on the official publication date. However, the first state is the one that is generally preferred among collectors. There were a total of 56,000 copies of the combined two first edition states released. Black cloth patterned paper over boards, the top board having gilt Japanese characters. The lettering and the Jonathan Cape logo on the spine are printed in silver. The endpapers have a wood grain appearance.
Chopping is up to his usual excellence on this jacket and this time, treats us to his first of two wrap around designs. The front cover has an illustration of a toad sitting across some bamboo, under a large pink flower, holding down a dragonfly. The Japanese characters (a translation of the book title) that are found on the front board are reproduced on an illustrated piece of paper on the back of the jacket along with a blurb regarding the book. All lettering is done in black. The front flap has the title written in Japanese characters and the back flap lists Fleming's previous books as well as the fact that he writes the introduction to All Night at Mr. Stanyhurst's. On the bottom of the back flap, Chopping is given design credits and for the first time, shows him as the copyright holder as well.
The New American Library
First printing indicated on the copyright page, no indications of later printings. The binding is yellow buckram with a black Ian Fleming facsimile autograph on the top board. The lettering, rules and logo on the spine are in red. Paul Bacon once again is credited with designing the jacket. The only illustration component being a Japanese flag with the red sun in the center dripping as if bleeding. This devise is repeated on the spine with the author's name, the title and the NAL logo at the foot, all printed in black. The back of the jacket consists of a black and white photograph of Fleming by Dan Wynn with the author's name and the book title in printed in black. The front flap shows a "007" stencil devise with a red line slashed through it enclosed in a rectangular black border, with a blurb for this title. The back flap has a blurb about the Fleming cannon and a brief bio.
The reverse of the title page near the top says "First Published 1965/© 1965 by Glidrose Productions Ltd." and near the bottom, are two lines of printing information, including "The Chaucer Press". There are no indications of later printings. A total of 82,000 copies comprised the first printing. Now it gets interesting. The first edition was produced in two different top board configurations. The state most commonly encountered has a plain black front board. However, there was another, extremely rare version that was also produced with a gilt stamped revolver on the lower half of the front board. From what I can ascertain, the version with the revolver is the first state, but the publisher halted production due to problems with the ink, which tended to spot and discolor. A few copies of this anomaly had already been shipped to the farthest reaches of the British Commonwealth and were beyond a recall, indeed, that is where most of the known copies have surfaced over the years. When encountered, it usually has a very high price associated with it! Both versions have black cloth-patterned paper over boards, but the patterns differ slightly. The spines are the same with the lettering and the Jonathan Cape logo in gilt. Both also have green and white fiber patterned endpapers, however the version with the blank front board has been encountered with white endpapers.
The dust jacket has wrap around art once again. The subject matters consist of a gold Colt revolver with white stocks, bullets, foliage, some flies and what appears to be some kind of a lizard skull with very thin sharp teeth. All lettering is done in black. Richard Chopping once again is credited with the illustration and is the copyright owner as indicated on the bottom of the back flap (sadly, Fleming was unable to contribute any ideas as he was no longer with us). The front flap notes the title of the book, followed by "the new James Bond". The back flap lists all of Fleming's previous books.
The New American Library
The first printing is noted on the copyright page, with no indication of subsequent printings. Smooth black paper over boards with a revolver printed in a wraparound style from the front to the rear board. The lettering on the spine has the authors name in white, the title in red and "NAL" in gilt. There is also a serial number of "H0042" in gilt located in the lower left corner of the backboard. There is absolutely no front cover illustration, however it does have six die cut circles, representing bullet holes. The only printing on the front of the jacket is the authors name in black, the title in red, "007's LAST GREAT ADVENTURE" and "A JAMES BOND NOVEL", both in gray. The entire back of the jacket is a full bleed back and white photo of Fleming. The front flap has a blurb on this title and a short biography of Fleming continued to the back flap. This jacket designed by the Paul Bacon Studio, is truly uninspired.
"First published 1966" stated on the reverse of the title page, with no indication of later printings. Five lines printed at the bottom including "Ebenezer Baylis & Sons, Limited." Total first editions released came to 50,000 copies. Black cloth patterned paper over boards. All the lettering and the Jonathan Cape logo are in gilt. Gray patterned endpapers. Richard Chopping once again did the illustration and holds the copyright for the dust jacket. The cover illustration consists of a shell, a fish and flies against a wood and paper background, with all lettering in black. The back of the jacket has a full bleed photograph of Ian Fleming by Horst Tappe. Front flap has blurbs for this title with the back flap listing Fleming's books.
This is the only Jonathan Cape Fleming first edition to note Kevin McClory, Jack Whittingham and Ian Fleming in conjunction with Thunderball.
The New American Library
The first printing in indicated on the copyright page with no indication of later printings. Un-textured black paper over boards with a stylized rifle in which the barrel turns into an octopus tentacle is stamped in gilt to the top board. All lettering on the spine is done in red. The dust jacket by Paul Bacon has the same illustration as that stamped on the front board. The back of the jacket has the same photo of Fleming as used on The Man with the Golden Gun. The front flap has the titles of the two stories printed in red with a blurb for both printed under each in black, these continue to the back flap which also lists all of Fleming's previous books, but not in chronological order. Paul Bacon also did the pointillism illustrations for the stories in the book. EPILOG If you can't afford or don't want to part with the money that some are asking for the Jonathan Cape first editions, you can contact The First Edition Library in Shelton, CT at (800) 243-5160. They produce facsimile copies of all fourteen James Bond, Jonathan Cape first editions, in a slipcase! One of the only ways to tell the difference between theirs and the originals is the fact that they print the initials "FEL" near the bottom of the back flap. They are extremely well done and definitely worth the price. Even if you are not interested in these, keep this in the back of your mind the next time you see a Fleming first edition for sale, especially a mint Casino Royale! Copyright © 2002 Edward M. Werner |
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HMSS Contents BOOKS | FILMS | Q BRANCH | OBJETS D' BOND | THE OTHER SPIES | THE BOND MARKET FIRST PERSON | LAGNIAPPE | ESSENTIAL LINKS | SUBSCRIPTIONS | EDITORIAL | COLOPHON |
CASINO ROYALE
LIVE AND LET DIE
MOONRAKER
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
FROM RUSSIA,WITH LOVE
DOCTOR NO
GOLDFINGER
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY
THUNDERBALL
THE SPY WHO LOVED ME
ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE
The Signed Limited Edition
YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE
THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN
OCTOPUSSY AND THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS
