Books

London: Jonathan Cape, 1956. First edition. Near Fine/Very Good +. A Near Fine copy in Very Good+ dust jacket. Book with one spot on the front board and slight impressions on the rear board and spine. Light foxing to the closed text block and preliminary and terminal leaves. Spine lettered in silver. Date of "27 March 1956" stamped in purple ink on the rear end paper (the day after publication). Dust jacket publisher clipped on the corners, but retaining the original price. Slight toning to the spine and minor wear at the extremities (with 2 small chips). A few short tears (unrepaired), but generally a handsome copy of the first impression. Housed in a custom, black, full-morocco clamshell case. Lauded as one of the fifty greatest British writers since 1945 by The Times, Ian Fleming sold over thirty million Bond novels within his lifetime. Fleming wrote his fourth Bond novel, Diamonds Are Forever, while at his Goldeneye estate in Jamaica after reading an article on diamond…

"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.