Books

London: Jonathan Cape, 1956. [Spy thriller] FIRST EDITION, Binding A. SIGNED PRESENTATION COPY. Octavo (20 x 14cm), pp.257 [1]. Publisher's black cloth titled in silver, with the pictorial dust-jacket designed by Pat Marriott priced at 12/6. Inscribed by the author to flyleaf "To Paul, /who spread his / wings over / my first born. // with affection / from / Ian [underline]". A little spotting, heavier to top edge, jacket slightly toned to spine. Very good, in an elegant leather-spined collector's clamshell box. The recipient is Paul Gallico, friend and champion of the budding author Fleming. He was the person who first 'spotted 007', according to both the present inscription, and Fleming's biographer John Pearson (writing in the Sunday Times, Paul Gallico obituary, 18th July 1976). A significant association, and the greatest and most poignant of the known Fleming-Gallico presentations, on one of the most difficult Bond titles to acquire signed. A remarkable combination. Gilbert,…

"Diamonds Are Forever" by Ian Fleming follows James Bond as he embarks on a mission to infiltrate a diamond smuggling operation. The novel begins with Bond assigned to track down and disrupt a pipeline of smuggled diamonds from Africa to America, which threatens to destabilize global diamond markets. Bond assumes the identity of a diamond smuggler named Peter Franks and follows the trail from London to New York. Along the way, he encounters a series of adversaries, including the menacing gangsters Jack and Seraffimo Spang, who control the criminal diamond network. Bond also crosses paths with Tiffany Case, a beautiful and complex woman involved in the smuggling operation. Their relationship evolves as Bond navigates a world of deception, facing danger and betrayal at every turn. As Bond delves deeper into the criminal underworld, he discovers the elaborate mechanisms behind the diamond smuggling operation, uncovering a web of corruption, double-crosses, and high-stakes gambling. His pursuit leads him from New York to Las Vegas and ultimately to the rugged landscape of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Throughout the novel, Fleming weaves a narrative that combines thrilling action sequences, espionage, and the allure of a luxurious yet treacherous world. Bond's trademark wit, resourcefulness, and courage are put to the test as he confronts adversaries and risks his life to dismantle the criminal syndicate. In the climax, Bond confronts the Spang brothers in a showdown in the Nevada desert, where he resolves to bring down the operation and prevent the diamonds from financing international crime. "Diamonds Are Forever" offers readers an exciting journey through the world of espionage and crime, showcasing Bond's ability to navigate treacherous situations and outwit his enemies while maintaining his suave demeanor and commitment to duty. The novel captures the essence of Fleming's iconic character and remains a thrilling installment in the James Bond series.