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.
The 2016 Whistable Literary Festival (WhitLit) will be celebrating James Bond author Ian Fleming's Kent connections this year with a host of special programs. Bond events kick off on Wednesday May 11th with a brass band concert: "WhitLit presents an evening of music and readings celebrating James Bond. Over the past five decades music from the Bond franchise has become a part of our musical culture featuring haunting melodies and soaring brass scores. Let the 1st Whitstable Scout Band entertain you with a concert of legendary tunes, some with guest vocalists, along with readings from the pages of Fleming. From Skyfall to Goldfinger, Barry to Bassey, prepare to be shaken and stirred." More programming with special guests below.
The Fleming celebration continues on Friday May 13th at 4:00PM with a special reading by Young Bond author, Steve Cole: "Steve Cole introduces his first explosive Young Bond adventure, Shoot to Kill giving a unique insight into 1930s gadgets, gangsters and Hollywood. Join Steve is this interactive event as he explains how he became such a fan of Ian Fleming’s super-spy, shares the research behind his creation, introduces new characters, including a sinister villain, and tests the audience’s spy skills to ask ‘How Bond Are You? Steve Cole has written the bestselling 'Astrosaurs’ adventures. In 2013 he took over from Charlie Higson as author of the Young Bond series exploring the life of the teenage James Bond."
Keynote events are scheduled on Friday May 13th, beginning at 6:30PM with Fleming biographer Andrew Lycett: "Sportsman, womanizer, naval commander, world-traveler, and spy, the creator of the Cold War’s archetypal secret agent was infinitely more complex and interesting than his iconic fictional character, Agent 007. Ian Fleming’s wide-ranging and exciting life inevitably provided the plausible backdrop for his Bond novels. The day after his wedding to Ann O’Neill, Fleming sat down to write his first book, Casino Royale, in order to soothe his nerves. Thus began the long line of Bond novels for which he would earn lasting fame. Andrew Lycett is one of the foremost experts on Fleming’s life and work. He is a biographer and journalist whose other subjects include Wilkie Collins and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle."
Next on Friday at 7:45PM: "Historian Matthew Parker reveals the untold story of Ian Fleming in Jamaica, his house Goldeneye, and the creation of James Bond. Amid Jamaica’s beauty, Fleming immersed himself in the jet-set society that clung to its imperial past. Rubbing shoulders with Noel Coward and Errol Flynn, he was part of a world of dangerous glamour that would infuse all his Bond novels. The top 10 Sunday Times Best seller Goldeneye is a revealing exploration of Ian Fleming’s life and work. Matthew Parker spent part of his childhood in the West Indies. He has written five books and contributes to The Literary Review, and BBC History Magazine."
The capstone of the evening will be a special talk by Ian Fleming's step-daughter Fionn Morgon at 9:00PM: "WhitLit is honoured to welcome Fionn Morgan, the daughter of Ann Fleming and her first husband Shane, 3rd Lord O’Neill. Fionn was 16 when her mother married Ian Fleming and has a wise stance on her step- father’s life, work, loves and outlooks. Ann Fleming was the last great polical hostess, a letter writer of rare wit with close friends including Noel Coward, Evelyn Waugh, Lucian Freud and Cecil Beaton. Her long love affair with Ian Fleming started before her second marriage to newspaper baron Lord Rothermere and after their divorce Fleming married Ann in 1952. Fionn will reveal to Andrew Lycett growing up in a fascinating family and spending time with Ian Fleming and her mother in Kent."
For Spy Vibers interested in visiting sites in Kent with ties to Ian Fleming and the James Bond stories, WhitLit has posted a wonderful traveling route of locations. This trail of historical, literary, and film sites includes spots connected to Moonraker, Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Diamonds Are Forever, and more! Below: Ian Flemings house White Cliffs in Kent (Will Lord-Flickr).
Other events of interest during the festival: Andrew Lownie's talk "Guy Burgess: Stalin's Englishman", Brooks and Paul Nolan host Book Debate- Goldfinger, Contemporary Spy Masters- Charles Cumming, SJ Parris, Francesca Kay, and The Debs of Bletchley Park. Festival ticket info here. Thank you to Artistic License Renewed for putting this in our radar. I won't be able to travel until July, but hopefully our Spy Vibers in the UK will attend this special festival. Enjoy!
Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, Trina Robbins Interview, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review, David McCallum novel, Andre Courreges R.I.P., Who's Talking on Spy Vibe, UFO Blu-ray, Avengers Pop Art Interview, Fergus Fleming Interview, Avengers: Alan Hayes Interview, Jaz Wiseman Interview, Diana Rigg BFI Interview, Casino Royale Interview: Mike Richardson, Lost Diana Rigg Interview, Honor Blackman at 90, UNCLE School, Ian Fleming Memorial, 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, John Buss interview, 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, Tokyo Beat 1964, Feraud Mod Fashion, Green Hornet Manga, 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, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton.
New Release: "Before the man became the legend. Before the boy became the man." The Young Bond series continues this week with the publication of Shoot To Kill. Penned by author Steve Cole (Astrosaurs, Z-Rex, Doctor Who), the story follows Bond to Hollywood on his first (young) adventure to the United States. The cover sports an exciting urban design in black and silver, which includes a vintage pistol motif around the title and a silhouette of Bond leaping from a Zeppelin (you can see a 3D version on the official website). Although the logo seems slightly large and out of balance, the design aims for an elegant Hollywood vibe and promises a thrilling ride! Order the first edition at AmazonUK here. Shoot to Kill is the 6th novel to focus on the young adventures of James Bond. Author Charlie Higson began the series in 2005. His Bond books include Silverfin, Blood Fever, Double or Die, Hurricane Gold, By Royal Command, and The Young Bond Dossier. Learn more: Young Bond website, Ian Fleming Publications, Young Bond editions.
Selected Spy Vibe posts: Polaroid Spy, Modesty Monday, Feraud Mod Fashion, Flint Scores!, Bond Danish, Louis Feraud, Roger Moore Day, Home Movies, New Richard Sala Book, New 007 Comics, Unseen Fleming in new 007 by Horowitz, Designing Bond Books, Foster Spies, Green Hornet Manga, Margaret Nolan Art, No 6 Festival, Barbarella Returns, 007 Audio Books Return, Harry Palmer Blu, One Million Prizes, Designer: Gene Winfield, Avengers Blu-Ray, 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, Diana Rigg at 76, Gerry Anderson Doc, Mr. Hulot's Box Set, Rare Avengers Scripts, Man From Uncle UK Comics, Mattel X-15, Thunderbirds Comics, Shakespeare Spies: Diana Rigg, Shakespeare Spies I, Batman News, Monty Python Fathom Spies, Rodney Marshall Avengers Interview, Avengers Book: Bowler Hats & Kinky Boots, George Lois Design & Mad Men, Richard Sala: Super-Enigmatix, Big Fun Toys, Danger Diabolik Soundtrack, Mod Fashion Dolls, Cold War Archie, Playboy Bunny Interview, The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, The 10th Victim German Edition, The Saint books return, Trina Robbins Interview, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton.
