FLEMING PUBLICATIONS 2017-2018

It's been a busy year in the literary world of James Bond, and even more scheduled in 2018! In their end-of-year message, Ian Fleming Publications has announced some exciting projects on the horizon. Looking back over the past year, we have seen the release of Steve Cole's newest installment in the Young Bond series, Red Nemesis. And Dynamite has continued their release of James Bond-related comic books, and have added solo titles featuring both Monneypenny and Felix Leiter in their own missions. Titan Books has continued their efforts to release the original James Bond comic strips in large, remastered format, and this year they published Goldfinger and Octopussy featuring art by John McLusky and Yaroslav Horak, respectively. The Folio Society added Moonraker to their beautiful series of collector editions illustrated by Fay Dalton (save on the series at Folio Society). You can see the first set of four titles below. Macmillan Books republished Fleming's classic YA title Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, with an introduction by Frank Cottrell Boyce. IFP also celebrated the continued release of Fleming novels around the world in different languages, including a new Manx edition of Casino Royale. But top on Spy Vibe's 2017 IFP projects was the new publication of three of Ian Fleming's classic 007 novels: Goldfinger, Live and Let Die, and Casino Royale. These new hardback editions from Vintage Classics are quite special. Not only does Live and Let Die feature the original US text, approved by Fleming, for example, but each volume features an extensive section filled with original-era documents, letters, photographs, and artwork from the Fleming estate. One infamous letter in Goldfinger, for example, shows Fleming counterattacking litigation gestures from the architect, Erno Goldfinger, about the use of his name. Despite Fleming's known displeasure with the designers brutalist buildings, the author made a strong case in the letter (to cover himself?) that the name wasn't so unusual. These historic materials really add value for all of us who are interested in studying Fleming's archive's more closely. Each title also includes a lengthy introduction by Bond expert John Cork, as well as beautiful cover and endpaper designs (see below)  If Spy Vibers are interested in behind-the-scenes ephemera, I highly recommend these three new volumes. Find them on Amazon and AmazonUK. In 2017, IFP also posted on their site Fergus Fleming's introduction to their earlier 60th anniversary edition of The Diamond Smugglers- complete with a rare look at some very cool original artwork from the 1960 Pan paperback edition. Another nice gift to Bond fans! More below.

If that wasn't exciting enough, James Bond followers can also look forward to new releases in 2018. In terms of comic book projects, Dynamite plans to publish an M adventure, a new graphic novel adaptation of Casino Royale, and a series of Bond wartime stories. The last is especially great news for fans who prefer period-Bond. Illustrator Fay Dalton will return to 007, as the Folio Society plans to release collector editions of Diamonds Are Forever and Thunderball (Goldfinger was also mentioned in IFP's announcement). A new James Bond novel is on the way by author Anthony Horowitz. This will be the second 007 book penned by the creator of the Alex Rider series. And finally, IFP plans to release a cocktail book featuring beautiful photography and excerpts from Ian Fleming's writing. Great news all around! 

Read Spy Vibe's interview with Fergus Fleming. Selected Ian Fleming posts on Spy Vibe: Ian Fleming Grave, SE Asian 007, Fleming Jamaica Book, Bond Japanese Editions, Fleming Chinese Edition, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50th, Ian Fleming: Mt. Demon Hell Japan, Collecting Fleming, Live and Let Die 60th, 007 Audio Books Update, Appropriating Bond Exhibit, The Goldfinger Variations, Double 007 Book Designs,  Double 007 designs II, rare Ian Fleming edition, Book Design Dopplegangers, Turkish Bond design, Ian Fleming Letters, Erno Goldfinger, Noel Coward, Whispering Jack Smith, Hawaiian Guitar, Joe Fingers Carr, new Ian Fleming Catalog, Jon Gilbert interview, Double 007 Designs, Bond audio book reissues, discovery of one of Ian Fleming's WWII Commandos, James Bond book covers, Ian Fleming's Playboy interview for Kindle, Spy Vibe's discovery of a rare Ian Fleming serialization, rare View to a Kill, Fleming's Royal gold typewriter, Ian Fleming's memorial address, Spy Vibe's Ian Fleming image archive.

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Interview: Ed Hulse Pulp, Avengers Audio Drama, Interview: Callan At 50, Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private Eyes, TWA Returns, Spy Vibe Radio 8, Interview: Ryan Heshka, Mid-Century Modern Schulz, Agent Werewolf, Mata Hair Exhibit, Johnny Sokko 50th, Interview: Trina Robbins, Eddie Izzard, The Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50th, Hugh Hefner R.I.P., Jack Good R.I.P., Interview: Shaken Not Stirred, Callan 50th, Spy Vibe Radio 7, The Prisoner 50th Event, Spy-Fi Event, Kaho Aso 007, Two Million, Bo Diddley, Carnaby Pop, Le Carre Events, Billy Bragg Skiffle, Elvis 68, Jack Kirby The Prisoner, Casino Royale Concert, Review: The Prisoner Vol 2, Interview: The Prisoner Essential Guide, Maud Russell Mottisfont, Spy Vibe Radio 4, Batman Gallants, Adam West R.I.P., Village Triangle, Roger Moore R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio 3, Sgt Pepper 50th, Satanik Kriminal OST, 60s Overdrive, Make Love in London, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Propaganda Mabuse, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Gaiman McGinnins Project, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, The Phantom Avon novels return, Ian Fleming Festival, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review.

CASINO ROYALE FOLIO

New release: Ian Fleming's debut James Bond novel, Casino Royale, has been given the Folio Society treatment! Press release: "This lavish edition, with artwork by acclaimed illustrator Fay Dalton, and an introduction by Booker-Prize winning author John Banville, pays homage to the enormous success of Ian Fleming’s iconic novels. Few characters have come to define a genre as James Bond has done, and this introduction to his world, with its merciless villains, spectacular dangers, ill-fated romances and exotic settings, is Fleming at his best." The Folio Society is dedicated to celebrating great books by producing limited-edition hardcover editions with slipcases, unique designs, and illustrations. The company published Live and Let Die in 2007. Spy Vibers can learn more about The Folio Society here. Related Spy Vibe posts: Folio Spies, Mystery Sunday, Mystery Book Exhibit. Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: New James Bond Comic, Diana Rigg BFI Interview, Callan Documentary and Set, Casino Royale Interview: Mike Richardson, Early Saint Box Set, Lost Diana Rigg Interview, Diana Rigg Event, Ian Fleming Letters, New Gillette 007 Covers, Pirate Radio, Spectre Advanced Poster, Honor Blackman at 90, UNCLE School, Ian Fleming Memorial, Radiophonic Exhibit, Portmeirion Photos, Doctor Who Exhibit, Farewell Steed, Pussy Galore Returns, Diana Rigg birthday, Sherlock at 221B, Invisible Agent, Saint Interview: Ian Dickerson, Saint Doppelgänger, Fleming's Typewriter, Rare Fleming, Fleming's Music, Ian Fleming's Japan, Jim Wilson Corgi Interview, Fantomas Design, Jeremy Duns on Bond, John Buss interview, Avengers Season 5 Titles, Saint Volvo, Mod Tales Interview, Agente Secreto Comics, Danger Man Comics 2, Danger Man Comics, John Drake Comics, Der Mann Von UNCLE, Golden Margaret Nolan, Man From UNCLE Rocksteady, Pussy Galore Calypso, Cynthia Lennon R.I.P., Edward Mann Fashion, Leonard Nimoy Tribute, Shatner at 84, Bob Morane series, Thai Bond Design, Bond vs Modernism, Art of Modesty, Tokyo Beat 1964, Feraud Mod Fashion, Green Hornet Manga, No 6 Festival, Avengers Interview: Michael Richardson, Ian Fleming: Wicked Grin, Jane Bond Hong Kong Records, Ryan Heshka Interview, Comics Week: Man From R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E., Comics Week: Archie, Comics Week: Robots, Comics Week: Cold War Atomic, Comics Week: SPYMAN, Comics Week: Jimmy Olsen, Shakespeare Spies: Diana Rigg, Shakespeare Spies I, Rodney Marshall Avengers Interview, Richard Sala: Super-Enigmatix, Cold War Archie, Playboy Bunny Interview, The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, Trina Robbins Interview, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton.

MYSTERY SUNDAY

Curl up this Sunday with a classic mystery novel. Follow the clues with Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple, and Hercule Poirot in some of these beautifully designed books by the Folio Society, HarperCollins, and Thomas & Mercer. Although I enjoy the convenience of eBooks, which have less impact on my budget and shelf space, there is still something unique about reading an artfully produced edition. Looking at the cover designs and illustrations, feeling the texture of the boards and paper, and even hearing the subtle sound of turning a page all add up to a sensual experience that informs the story blooming in our imagination. 

The Complete Sherlock Holmes Heirloom Edition was published last November by Thomas & Mercer and contains four individual hardcover volumes in an elegant case. The series also features color illustrations (see images below). The audiobook edition was just released on September 1st, and features the voice of Simon Vance, reader of Penguin's James Bond collection. Spy Vibe's interview with Simon Vance about 007 and Holmes here. Heirloom Edition on Amazon here. The Folio Society published Complete Sherlock Holmes story and novel collections in 1993 and 2004 with some re-print editions. You can track them down on the used book market and on auction sites. Heirloom Edition:

Agatha Christie is the best-selling novelist in history, with over two billion books sold in over 45 languages. HarperCollins picked up the English language rights to her work in 2010 and published the series with cool, vintage-style cover designs (many by the Brighton firm Crush Designs). 

The Folio Society has printed a few Agatha Christie editions over the years. The Miss Marple and Poirot collections sport vintage-style designs with whimsical spot illustrations of characters and convention elements. Below: The Complete Miss Marple Short Stories (2003-2005) and The Complete Hercule Poirot Short Stories (2003). The Folio Society currently has a complete collection of Miss Marple novels in print here. Our announcement for the new Agatha Christie continuation novel: Poirot Returns. Spy Vibe's coverage of the Folio Society: Folio Spies, Mystery Book Exhibit. Spy Vibe's Mystery/Adventure archive on Pinterest here. 

Recent Spy Vibe posts: Steranko S.H.I.E.L.D. Artist Editions, David Tennant's Ian Fleming audio books, The Prisoner & Captain Scarlet, HMV returns to Oxford st w Beatles promo, Diego Fortunato & Verner Panton,  Saturday Morning Cartoons, Assassination Bureau on DVD, new Young Bond series,  Peter Asher, Gerry Marsden tour, Elio Petri on Blu-ray, Sophia Loren, new Beatles BBC album, new Hercule Poirot novel, Beatles fall 2013 releases, A Hard Days Night cinematographer dies, Magic Christian on Blu-ray, Early Beatles image archive, Julie Newmar, Erno Goldfinger, Hitchcock tribute.

Recent Ian Fleming posts on Spy Vibe: Erno Goldfinger, Ian Fleming Music Series links: Noel Coward, Whispering Jack Smith, Hawaiian Guitar, Joe Fingers Carr, new Ian Fleming Catalog, Jon Gilbert interview, Double 007 Designs, Bond audio book reissues, discovery of one of Ian Fleming's WWII Commandos, James Bond book covers, Ian Fleming's Playboy interview for Kindle, Spy Vibe's discovery of a rare Ian Fleming serialization, rare View to a Kill, Fleming's Royal gold typewriter, Ian Fleming's memorial address.

MYSTERY BOOK EXHIBIT

Spy Vibers may remember our recent coverage of some of the espionage and mystery books published by The Folio Society. The company is not only devoted to reprinting beautiful editions of old classics, they also sponsor major literary prizes and have a gallery in The British Library. The gallery is currently running an exhibit called Murder in the Library: An A-Z of Crime Fiction, which features rare vintage mystery/adventure novels. The exhibit runs through May 12th. From their press release:

"The British Library takes a quirky look at the history of crime fiction, from its earliest roots to the present day, in a new exhibition in The Folio Society Gallery, Murder in the Library: An A-Z of Crime Fiction. Featuring familiar and loved writers, such as Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle, alongside the obscure and unexpected, former footballer and England Manager Terry Venables and burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee to name but a few, the exhibition will showcase never before seen manuscripts, beautiful printed books, rare audio recordings, artworks and intriguing artefacts from the Library’s outstanding British and North American collections." You can some exhibit images on the exhibit Pinterest board.

Curated by Kathryn Johnson, Curator of Theatrical Manuscripts at the British Library, the exhibition will provide an A-Z of crime, from ‘A’ for Agatha Christie to ‘H’ for ‘Hardboiled’ to ‘Z’ for ‘Zodiac’, a nod to Soji Shimada’s The Toyko Zodiac Murders, an illustrated Japanese detective novel.

 Exhibition highlights will include:

Arthur Conan Doyle’s manuscript of the Sherlock Holmes short story The Adventure of the Retired Colourman published in 1926

The first appearance of Miss Marple in print in Royal Magazine (1929)

John Gielgud’s annotated script for the film of Murder on the Orient Express and photographs from his personal album of his appearance in Morse 

Crime novels by such unlikely authors as former footballers, Pele and Terry Venables, and renowned burlesque performer and actress Gypsy Rose Lee

                        

The Jigsaw Puzzle Murders (1933), an intriguing book with a real jigsaw puzzle providing the solution

                        

Dennis Wheatley’s murder mystery ‘dossiers’ including physical clues, such as human hair, alongside letters and reports. The reader was invited to solve the crime and the solution provided in a section at the back (1930s)

                        

Original material relating to historical real-life crimes such as the Road House murders (The Suspicions of Mr Whicher) and the 18th-century case of Elizabeth Canning which inspired Josephine Tey’s The Franchise Affair

A series of crime events will take place alongside Murder in the Library, including Real Crime Real Fiction and The Story of Crime Fiction, with panellists such as P D James Mark Lawson, Laura Wilson and Mark Billingham. 

Following the success of recent British Library crime titles, including The Notting Hill Mystery and The Female Detective, in March 2013 the Library will publish William Stephens Hayward’s Revelations of a Lady Detective (1864). The novel is the second ever to feature a female detective (pipped to the post by Andrew Forrester’s The Female Detective published in the same year and republished by the Library in 2012). Mrs Paschal, a much racier heroine, is shown smoking on the front cover – a modern and daring habit for women even in the late 19th century – and carries a Colt revolver, trailing suspects and searching houses. With an introduction by Mike Ashley, this very rare novel will be made available once again to celebrate Murder in the Library: An A-Z of Crime Fiction.

I have a spy novella coming out soon! Stay tuned for more info. Did you know that Spy Vibe has a Pinterest page? You can see collections of images of Ian Fleming's life, dynamic vintage action, cliffhanger serials, Japanese designs from the 20s, vintage mystery novels, and more! Ian Fleming board here.

Check Spy Vibe for recent posts about Ian Fleming- Hawaiian Guitar player!, 1960s espionage writers, Spy Vibe's discovery of a rare Ian Fleming serialization, my review of SKYFALL, 007 at the Intnl Spy Museum, Johnny Sokko and His Flying Robot, new Beatles bio from Mark Lewisohn, tributes to Donald Richie and Tony Sheridan, the Les Vampires serial on Blu-ray, Lucy Fleming, The Beatles first record session, Ian Fleming's desert island interview, new Ian Fleming book designs, Fantomas, Spy Smasher, Barbarella tv show, British spy comics, Piper Gates retro designs, Cinema Retro, and more. 

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