Books

London: Jonathan Cape, 1956. London: Jonathan Cape, [1956]. First edition of the fourth James Bond book. Inscribed by Ian Fleming on the front endpaper to Sir William Stephenson, who was known as the "Real James Bond." Small octavo (7 3/8 x 4 7/8 inches; 187 x 125 mm).. [8], 11-257, [1, blank] pp. In original dust jacket. Original black cloth over boards. Front cover stamped in blind with an overall diamond pattern with a baguette-cut diamond stamped in silver in the center. Spine lettered in silver with Jonathan Cape logo in silver at foot. Top front corner slightly bumped and binding just barely skewed. A very fine copy, difficult to find in this condition. In the original color pictorial dust jacket. Jacket with some minor splitting along creases and chipping at head and tail of the spine, but with no restoration. Some general sunning, bit overall a very nice jacket. Housed in a custom full morocco clamshell. Inscribed on front free endpaper: "To Bill/In exchange for/ 12…

"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.