Books

[Taipei] Central Publishing Co., 1960s. [Thriller] Taiwanese Pirated edition, bibliographer's copy. Octavo (19 x 14cm), pp.248. Bound in brown cloth hardcovers, titled in silver to the spine, with illustrated jacket design. The text in this copy reproduces the 1964 Pan paperback. The flame dust jacket artwork is adapted from the Jonathan Cape edition of Moonraker; the spine, type and rear panel are based on the early 1960s Pan paperback. Contents clean, page edges toned (cheap paper), small area of soiling to cloth at foot of spine, jacket a little chipped to spine ends, sunned to backstrip as expected. Such editions rarely survive and are now extremely difficult to acquire. This is one of the most infamous designs for the pirated editions, using the UK jacket art for the previous title 'Moonraker'. From the Ian Fleming Bibliographical Archive assembled by Jon Gilbert (pencil signature within). His comprehensive guide to the works of Fleming (2012) won the 16th Breslauer Prize for…

"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.