Books

London: Jonathan Cape. 1956. First edition, first printing. First edition, first printing. Publisher's original black cloth with silver titles and diamond to the upper board and spine, in the Pat Marriott illustrated dustwrapper. A very fine copy, the binding square and tight, the cloth bright and fresh. The contents are clean throughout and without inscriptions or stamps. Complete with the fine original dustwrapper that has a tiny closed tear to the top edge of the front flap and remains without fading or loss. Not price-clipped (12s 6d the front flap, but with a 'British Book Centre' paper label over the printed price). A spectacular seemingly unread example, in entirely original condition. The fourth James Bond novel of which 14,604 copies of the first edition were printed. [Gilbert A4a (1.1)] Further details and images for any of the items listed are available on request. Lucius Books welcomes direct contact with our customers.

"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.

Identify first edition by looking for the publisher 'Jonathan Cape' with no other dates mentioned, and a lack of subsequent publisher's reprints or impressions listed.