Books

Ian Fleming's revised typescript of Diamonds are Forever, with numerous autograph additions, revealing Fleming's working practices as he honed the fourth Bond novel into its final shape. Original manuscripts and typescripts of Fleming's major works are extremely rare on the market. The typescript is peppered throughout with authorial tweaks, written in Fleming's characteristic blue ballpoint. Many tauten the plot, while some are apparently minor: a telephone number, for example, gets altered from Wisconsin 9.00456 to Wisconsin 7.3697. Others add vigour to the prose: when Bond checks himself into the Hotel Astor it was originally "in front of an elderly woman"; now it is "before a hatchet-faced woman with a bosom like a sandbag". Or, at page 88, "too many expense-account customers" becomes "too much expense-account aristocracy". While most pages contain one or two alterations, more substantial additions appear in eight places: at pages 23 (Bill Tanner's disquisition on American gambling), 79 (Felix Leiter on "night eye" calluses), 111 (the auctioneer's patter), 119 (a racing announcement), 120 (ditto), 194 (Spang gives Bond a grilling), 221 (Bond receives Tiffany's message), and 263 (the Captain's remarks to Bond). Chapter 17 was originally called "Bond Forces the Race" but becomes "Thanks for the Ride". Every now and then the nagging voice of the publisher's reader can be heard, protesting at one point "but surely the world's diamond centre is Amsterdam?" This final draft was typed by Fleming's secretary Ulrica Knowles. The book had originally been typed by Fleming at Goldeneye early in 1955, both the top copy and carbon of the original version being now at the Lilly Library at the University of Indiana. Ours was typed by Mrs Knowles from the Goldeneye typescript: her top copy going first to the publisher's reader and then to Fleming, with his revisions then being entered onto the carbon. This top copy is marked "To be returned to author for final revision" (with this deleted to show it had been done). The carbon copy was sold by Sotheby's on 12 December 2002, lot 332. The carbon was marked up by the copy-editor, but had only "two annotations... apparently in the author's own hand". READ MORE. The typescript: quarto, 277 leaves, numbered to 265, with 11 supernumerary leaves, plus two preliminaries, the penultimate leaf (264) lacking, on typing paper, loose in an "Interscrew" ring binder. Marked on the first leaf "To be returned to author for final revision" and containing autograph revisions throughout, marked up by the copy-editor for publication with type-sizes and similar annotations, with "?Libel" struck through to confirm that it has been read for libel, and copy for the back of the title-page added ("by the same Author | Casino Royale | Live And Let Die | Moonraker | First Published 1956"). Housed in a custom black quarter morocco box by the Chelsea Bindery. Expected signs of use with minor creasing and peripheral nicking to some leaves and gentle rubbing around extremities of binder; in very good condition.

"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.