Bond FIRST editions ??

KissyLover · March 2008

I have just recently become more and more interested in owning the Ian Fleming Bond storys published by Cape through the 1950's and 60's and have become curious about the subject of first editions.

Could anyone please advise me what is a fair price, or even give some indication of a "rule of thumb" price for first editions in a reasonable condition. Also, anyone have any ideas on fair prices for the following editions for these great Bond storys...you know, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc runs of the books.

The dust covers on the Cape pressings of these books are just incerdible and I am very interested in trying to own as many reasonable copys, with original dustcovers, as my pocket will stretch to

I understand that this subject is fairly broad and there may be no definitive answer to this question but I am hoping that with the knowledge and experience that is on this forum I may be able to get some help on this subject.

Cheers,

Kissylover

7289 · March 2008

Ebay usually has a fair selection of the original Fleming titles. They seem to run in the area of $50 to $100.

The very first few novels - "Casino Royale", "Live and Let Die" through "Diamonds are Forever" were published in very small amounts and prices can go into the thousands, or tens of thousands (GBP!) in the case of "Casino Royale".

The "First Edition Library" put out exact copies of the originals a few years back, and this is a good way to own the "original" editions without paying top dollar. Easton Press also sells nice leatherbound copies by subscription.

KissyLover · March 2008

Thanks for your quick reply..:)

I know what you mean about Casino Royale, I nearly fell on the floor when I spotted a first edition of that title with an asking price of US $ 35,000

...apparently it was signed by the great man himself. So I think that unless I have the luck of the gods I will have to be happy with a soft back for that and a few of the earlier titles. Or maybe the Book Club editions which seem still have the nice dustcovers, are still at reasonable price and maybe easier to find.

I've recently been able to pick-up what I now know is a first edition Book Club version of Dr No for what I think was quite reasonable money. I mean a current hard back will set you back around $45.00 anyway so this book, with it's subtle but great D/C design, is very reasonable for arounds the same money I thought.

superado · March 2008

There is also the consideration for the printing number of the 1st edition. I would think that the 1st printing of any of the 1st editions are priced in the stratosphere, if readily available at all, so I've settled for the umpteenth printings (such as 14th, 17th, etc.) of the 1st editions, many of which I've gotten cheap and in lots of 2 or 3. The only ones that I don't have original dust jackets for are the 1st 3, CR, LALD and MR, and settled for the facsimiles mentioned earlier as well as photocopies that one seller produced for me from his own collection. I purchased all the books from eBay and many of them are ex-library from Australia, which indicates better availability and pricing that would be in your favor.

To share an interesting story, my local library has a 1st edition LALD complete with original dustjacket covered in clear plastic, and I went through a lot of trouble trying to convince the librarian to allow me to replace it with a new hardbound edition but to no avail! Why? Though they said they saw no practical issue with my offer, it boiled down to the book not being owned by the library per se, but by public trust!

KissyLover · March 2008

Thanks for all of the information so far guys. {[]

As I've done more reaserch myself, I've have also started to realise the same thing about later impressions of first editions...they are, on the whole, certainly a LOT less expensive.

So far I've been able to secure myself the Dr No I mentioned in a prior post ...and now a first edition Man With The Golden Gun from Cape.

KissyLover · March 2008

superado wrote:

To share an interesting story, my local library has a 1st edition LALD complete with original dustjacket covered in clear plastic, and I went through a lot of trouble trying to convince the librarian to allow me to replace it with a new hardbound edition but to no avail! Why? Though they said they saw no practical issue with my offer, it boiled down to the book not being owned by the library per se, but by public trust!

I feel for you Superado

As collectors these seem to be the trials we come across at sometime in our collecting lives.

KissyLover · April 2008

So far I have been able to find TMWTGG and DrNo at what I'd say are reasonable prices and I must say I am very pleased....TMWTGG is a real beauty and in great condition

These purchases have also reminded me just how nice a H/C is to hold and read compared to a S/C.

7289 · April 2008

The REAL James Bond is between the covers of Fleming's wonderful novels.

What makes Fleming's original hardcovers so interesting it tha IF Himself designed the Dust jackets ..... Cover to Cover those editions are pure oo7!

denali · May 2008

You might be interested to know that a special limited signed and slipcased edition of the new Bond novel "Devil May Care" is being published. This will be limited to 500 copies each of which will be signed by Sebastian Faulks.

It will come in a red velvet box with the book nestling in black silk. Inside the front cover is a certificate from the Fleming estate. The book has the jacket printed straight onto boards (so is different from the standard edition). It also comes with a ribbon and silver edged pages. Publication price is £100.

These where available by pre order through Hatchards of Piccadilly on Monday though they are bound to sell out quickly. definately one to get hold of if you can.

Sir Miles · May 2008

denali wrote:

These where available by pre order through Hatchards of Piccadilly on Monday though they are bound to sell out quickly. definately one to get hold of if you can.

I've checked the website and couldn't find it, any chance of a link to this pecial edition - or do you have to contact them ?

denali · May 2008

I am on Hatchards mailing list so I get news of any books before they are posted on the website. They processed my pre order for this book yesterday.

I've checked the website today and its not showing so its probably worth giving them a call to see if they have any left.

Sir Miles · May 2008

I take it that they are producing a few 'Special Edition' variation copies then as Penguin007 reveals it's Bentley Bond Special Series !

Quite pricey mind !

00-Agent · May 2008

Sir Miles wrote:

denali wrote:

These where available by pre order through Hatchards of Piccadilly on Monday though they are bound to sell out quickly. definately one to get hold of if you can.

I've checked the website and couldn't find it, any chance of a link to this pecial edition - or do you have to contact them ?

I received an email from them today saying that they are soldout.:(

Bond FIRST editions ??

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