Ian Fleming Bibliography by Jon Gilbert

Polar Bear 0007Polar Bear 0007 CanadaPosts: 129MI6 Agent
edited December 2012 in James Bond Literature
Has anyone bought this? I would appreciate any opinions or comments..........
This is where we leave you Mr. Bond. (Pilot, Apollo Airlines)
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Comments

  • The Domino EffectThe Domino Effect Posts: 3,631MI6 Agent
    I've ordered it, but won't actually receive it for several weeks. It seems to be the definitive volume on the subject and given a relatively small print run once it sells out it will likely appreciate in value considerably as other similar books in the past have done.
  • Polar Bear 0007Polar Bear 0007 CanadaPosts: 129MI6 Agent
    Wow! I received my copy this week, it is outstanding. The definitive Ian Fleming book. If anyone is on the fence, you won't be disappointed!

    Firstly, the book is of very high quality and it's huge. You certainly can't read it in bed or on a trip, it is in the format of a large table top book. I have a lot of Fleming and Bond related books and thought there was little I could find that would be new to me. However, 80 pages in and I've already found a number of new treasures.

    I wasn't able to download any pics, if anyone wishes to share them here, please email me and I'll send a few that could be posted.

    Gentlemen, this book is by far the biggest find for Fleming and Bond fans in years! A big thank you and "congrat's" needs to go to Jon Gilbert for this treasure!!
    This is where we leave you Mr. Bond. (Pilot, Apollo Airlines)
  • The Domino EffectThe Domino Effect Posts: 3,631MI6 Agent
    I can only second Polar's comments. This is a superb book and an absolute must-have for any Fleming fan. It is jam-packed with information and as I suspected might be the case, is unquestionably the definitive book on the subject of Fleming's works. Although an indispensible reference book, the author has succeeded in making it completely readable and thoroughly enjoyable. It is wonderfully illustrated, perfectly designed and beautifully bound...and it is absolutely gi-normous: if you read this book for 20 minutes every day you'll have muscles like DC's in no time at all!

    Although not inexpensive, I have no doubt that it will appreciate in value as it gains legendary status - and even if I'm wrong (never happens!) you'll certainly get more than your money's worth in knowledge and pleasure from it.

    I ordered mine from Adrian Harrington Books (http://www.jamesbondfirsteditions.com/shop/jamesbond/39130.html and they had the author - Jon Gilbert - sign and inscribe it for me.

    I just can't recommend it highly enough.
  • LancasterLancaster Posts: 60MI6 Agent
    It is superb. I have a limited edition copy and I rate it as one of my best buys of the year. If you collect the books, you'll soon discover how much you are missing! I also rate Jon for his great demeanour and willingness to always discuss Bond related literature. If you buy, enjoy!
    "The distance between insanity and genius is merely success"
  • superadosuperado Regent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,651MI6 Agent
    Wow, at the $300-$400 price range, I wish I could afford a copy at a reasonably price, perhaps one day finding a copy that's priced to move because it accidentally fell in someone's septic tank or something! Sadly, the price point reminds me of artificially inflated designer French perfume and I wonder if the price tag reflects a true market price, e.g., one that accounts for the publishing and distribution cost plus a healthy though reasonable profit. Yes, there's the supply and demand of economics that drive the market, but it seems that the pricing decisions to charge a higher price to a limited few is just that...limiting.
    "...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
  • The Domino EffectThe Domino Effect Posts: 3,631MI6 Agent
    This is not unusual in reference books and I suppose you could liken it to the literary equivalent of the Factory Entertainment replica props that are being sold! I have no idea what the print run is, but I imagine that it's fairly limited as the subject matter is for the hard core Fleming researcher/collector/dealer/fan and not likely to appeal to the general public. Given its immense size, high production quality and a (perceived) limited market, I very much doubt that anyone's getting rich from this book even at that price. It really is absolutely superb though and I simply can't recommend it highly enough for anyone who is a Fleming fan...and has found a bit of money down the back of the settee!
  • Polar Bear 0007Polar Bear 0007 CanadaPosts: 129MI6 Agent
    I must second Domino's comment. The book is certainly of the highest standard and I can only imagine how many hours were invested in the research and verification of all the information.

    This is the type of book you buy and have forever. I can see going back to it periodically over many years to check facts and read. I doubt you'll get this in the future at a reduced price, if anything, I see it going up as a true collectors item.
    This is where we leave you Mr. Bond. (Pilot, Apollo Airlines)
  • 00-Agent00-Agent CaliforniaPosts: 453MI6 Agent
    superado wrote:
    Wow, at the $300-$400 price range, I wish I could afford a copy at a reasonably price

    When I read Superado's post yesterday I thought I feel the same way, this book is just too much money. Then I read this....
    This is not unusual in reference books and I suppose you could liken it to the literary equivalent of the Factory Entertainment replica props that are being sold!

    I purchased a Golden Gun (not the signed version). :s I am sure I would have gotten more enjoyment out of the Bibliography. :#
    "A blunt instrument wielded by a Government department. Hard, ruthless, sardonic, fatalistic. He likes gambling, golf, fast motor cars. All his movements are relaxed and economical". Ian Fleming
  • superadosuperado Regent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,651MI6 Agent
    I can understand the pricing for "objet d'art" like the new GG replicas, but as far as books are concerned I would think expensive pricing applies more toward vintage editions, multi-volume works or even true-limited and commemorative editions like with Devil May Care that was limited to 1,000 pieces I believe, but prepared with a special collectible miniature Bentley and a clear acrylic display case. However, at least with DMC, common Bond fans can still avail of paperback copies that they may even find at their local library. I guess that's what it boils down to for me that in terms of written works, I would think that in this day and age any person with whatever level of personal means should be able to gain access to any given book.
    "...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
  • scotty8692scotty8692 Posts: 137MI6 Agent
    Guys, any more props for this book? Been thinking about getting it. Wonder what version you guys got? The standard or limited edition?
  • The Domino EffectThe Domino Effect Posts: 3,631MI6 Agent
    I have the standard edition and just can't recommend it highly enough. It's a very large book and quite heavy, but it's beautifully set and bound and will last a lifetime. As for the content, it's incomparable. There will never be anything else that comes even remotely close to it for information on Fleming's books. Of course, after all the work Jon Gilbert has done, there'll never be a need for another work on the subject! In addition to comprehensive information on each of Fleming's books, Gilbert also covers books on Fleming (in whole or in part) and books that influenced Fleming. There are brief biographies of people who were in Fleming's life and a chronology of his life. If you have only two books on Fleming, it would have to be this one and Lycett's biography.
  • LancasterLancaster Posts: 60MI6 Agent
    I have the limited edition version. Identical content, but I like author signed books and with a low print run (250 I think), I hope it will at least retain it's value. That's what I told the wife anyway!

    The difference in price is not too significant (unlike say the Taschen book), so I went for it. It also avoids me trying to upgrade in the future (probably at a higher price) - always an achilles heel for a book collector! If you ask Jon, I am sure he will also sign it (contact via Harringtons).
    "The distance between insanity and genius is merely success"
  • The Domino EffectThe Domino Effect Posts: 3,631MI6 Agent
    Jon was very kind to sign my copy which is always a great bonus!
  • campbelldropoutcampbelldropout Posts: 2MI6 Agent
    I'm waiting on the paperback version or ebook edition. :))
  • Silhouette ManSilhouette Man The last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,644MI6 Agent
    It seems to be very expensive for the average James Bond fan @ £175 a book. Must be something about that Queen Anne's Press, then - just look at Talk of the Devil - we're still waiting on an affordable version of that book some FIVE YEARS later!
    "The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
  • The Domino EffectThe Domino Effect Posts: 3,631MI6 Agent
    Congratulations to Jon Gilbert on being awarded the 2014 ILAB Breslauer Prize, the international award for a scholarly work in the field of bibliography for "Ian Fleming: The Bibliography." This is the first time that this distinguished award has been given for a work devoted to a twentieth century writer and it was described as having "...set a standard that will not easily be equalled."
  • Polar Bear 0007Polar Bear 0007 CanadaPosts: 129MI6 Agent
    Thanks for posting this Domino!

    I just sent Jon a note, a great honor and well deserved!!
    This is where we leave you Mr. Bond. (Pilot, Apollo Airlines)
  • RWIG45RWIG45 Posts: 39MI6 Agent
    I would love to have it but if I am going to pay $300-$400 I want an actual early first edition Fleming. Not just a list of what all he wrote. That I can find online and I don't buy books just to watch them go up in price. At that cost I would probably look through it carefully once and never open it again for fear of doing damage to it.
    I think they release these things at such high prices because they know the truly addicted collector will pay it, leaving the financial burdened Bond lover SOL.

    Randy
  • RWIG45RWIG45 Posts: 39MI6 Agent
    I'm waiting on the paperback version or ebook edition. :))

    Don't hold your breath while you wait. I don't see them producing either. I have heard there is a trade edition that is cheaper but not by much. I live on a disability income and can't spend that kind of money on one book. I did drop $300 for 8 of the Easton Press 2005 Leather Bound editions. If I didn't have an amazon credit account, I couldn't have done even that.

    Randy
  • The Domino EffectThe Domino Effect Posts: 3,631MI6 Agent
    RWIG45 wrote:
    I would love to have it but if I am going to pay $300-$400 I want an actual early first edition Fleming. Not just a list of what all he wrote. That I can find online and I don't buy books just to watch them go up in price. At that cost I would probably look through it carefully once and never open it again for fear of doing damage to it.
    I think they release these things at such high prices because they know the truly addicted collector will pay it, leaving the financial burdened Bond lover SOL.

    Randy

    This is not just "...of what all he wrote." It is the definitive volume on Ian Fleming. It is a biography that compliments those of John Pearson and Andrew Lycett, and a complete publishing history of Fleming the likes of which has never before been compiled let alone published. It is an enormous volume of inestimable research value for scholars, researchers, writers and historians - which is why it recently received the Breslauer Prize - and a work of fantastic enjoyment for any genuine literary fan of Fleming and Bond. This is not a cash grab or an effort to take advantage of gullible collectors. It's also not a cynical manufactured collector's item like so many fancy limited editions out there that are actually anything but. Anyone who knows anything about publishing would know that a book of this size costs a fortune to print, bind and distribute. The only way to reduce the per unit cost is to print in massive quantities yet this is not a subject matter for the average Bond reader let alone the average general reader and therefore it would never enjoy massive sales. Consequently we are left with a book that will leave all of those fortunate enough to own it with something that they can read, flick through and enjoy for years and years to come. I doubt that many buyers will be picking it up as an investment, even though it will likely appreciate in value, but purely as a reference and an exquisite indulgence.
  • RWIG45RWIG45 Posts: 39MI6 Agent
    RWIG45 wrote:
    I would love to have it but if I am going to pay $300-$400 I want an actual early first edition Fleming. Not just a list of what all he wrote. That I can find online and I don't buy books just to watch them go up in price. At that cost I would probably look through it carefully once and never open it again for fear of doing damage to it.
    I think they release these things at such high prices because they know the truly addicted collector will pay it, leaving the financial burdened Bond lover SOL.

    Randy

    This is not just "...of what all he wrote." It is the definitive volume on Ian Fleming. It is a biography that compliments those of John Pearson and Andrew Lycett, and a complete publishing history of Fleming the likes of which has never before been compiled let alone published. It is an enormous volume of inestimable research value for scholars, researchers, writers and historians - which is why it recently received the Breslauer Prize - and a work of fantastic enjoyment for any genuine literary fan of Fleming and Bond. This is not a cash grab or an effort to take advantage of gullible collectors. It's also not a cynical manufactured collector's item like so many fancy limited editions out there that are actually anything but. Anyone who knows anything about publishing would know that a book of this size costs a fortune to print, bind and distribute. The only way to reduce the per unit cost is to print in massive quantities yet this is not a subject matter for the average Bond reader let alone the average general reader and therefore it would never enjoy massive sales. Consequently we are left with a book that will leave all of those fortunate enough to own it with something that they can read, flick through and enjoy for years and years to come. I doubt that many buyers will be picking it up as an investment, even though it will likely appreciate in value, but purely as a reference and an exquisite indulgence.

    OK, you sold me. I'll get one on amazon. It will be a pricey investment but I am a writer and Bond historian so I guess it will be a needed resource in my work. Thanks for the best description of the book I have yet read.
    Which limited editions do you consider bad investments? I would like to know if I have made a mistake with some of my recent purchases.

    Randy
  • The Domino EffectThe Domino Effect Posts: 3,631MI6 Agent
    Apologies for the delay in responding but I was sent off on a secret mission...that may have included shopping for Christmas presents!

    Delighted to hear that I swayed you towards buying a copy of the Bibliography. Despite its high cost, I am extremely confident that you won't be disappointed. Alas, I am no millionaire with a bottomless pit of money with which to indulge my pastimes, but one year after receiving the book I still believe that penny-for-penny it's one of the best book purchases I have ever made and I like it even more now than the day it arrived.

    As for my swipe against some limited editions being bad investments, I didn't have any specific volumes in mind - and wasn't thinking about Bond or Fleming specifically - but whenever I see a "limited edition" book with a run of several thousand or more and priced in the hundreds of dollars, I am sceptical of its re-sale value unless there is something especially unique about it...like the inclusions of an artefact or the genuine signatures of a notable individual or group of people that can't later be replicated. A lot of Limited Edition Collectors' Items are only collector's items because the manufacturer says they are. A quick scan through eBay can find tons of Limited Edition Collectors Items being offered at below their original release price. If someone buys these items purely for their love and interest then it doesn't matter, but if they're buying with a view to making a profit, they need to take into serious consideration the size of the edition, the ability for someone later to produce another similar product and the size of the potential audience who will buy it. It's not a science, but there's a surprising degree of common sense involved.
  • superadosuperado Regent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,651MI6 Agent
    I was going to order a copy of the standard edition for a little under $300 being offered by several US booksellers, but then found a bargain at Amazon UK, though I had to wait for availability after placing my order. All in all, it cost me £143.41 or US$238.46, which includes shipping to the US. Not a bad deal at all, but a shame that there are a couple of books I want to get through before reading the Fleming Bibliography.

    I placed the order after Christmas and today, I heard a big thud on my door stoop, ta-da!!! By coincidence, I contacted Amazon UK customer support just this morning to confirm if items by Royal Mail will be taken back to the post office for pick-up if there's no one home to receive the package, to which they said, "yes," but turned out to be wrong. I would've hated for it to go missing but all's well that ends well!
    "...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
  • 00-Agent00-Agent CaliforniaPosts: 453MI6 Agent
    I would be happy to hear your thoughts on the bibliography Superado once you have had a chance to look it over. I have been tempted to buy it, but have so far resisted. I never thought of checking Amazon UK, I'll have to do that.
    "A blunt instrument wielded by a Government department. Hard, ruthless, sardonic, fatalistic. He likes gambling, golf, fast motor cars. All his movements are relaxed and economical". Ian Fleming
  • superadosuperado Regent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,651MI6 Agent
    00-Agent wrote:
    I would be happy to hear your thoughts on the bibliography Superado once you have had a chance to look it over. I have been tempted to buy it, but have so far resisted. I never thought of checking Amazon UK, I'll have to do that.

    Will do, 00-Agent. Tonight, I plan to read over the stuff at the front end, the preface, intro, etc. There's been so many recommendations about this book among Literary Bond fans, but really no substantial review or synopsis to be found online, so that I've been building up an expectation of what's ahead based on whatever snippets from others that do exist. I'm hoping for some really obscure, esoteric information, similar to the research that John Griswold undertook for his "Annotations and Chronologies" book, deriving much of its content from the archived Fleming manuscripts at the Lilly Library in Indiana. However, I'm getting a bad feeling that some of the pages I've flipped over contain, instead, lots of publishing minutiae about the Fleming book editions and other works that involve him; it was for similar qualities in the "illustrated James Bond" that made me mail it back after barely flipping over the first half of the book. I hope my first impressions are wrong and that I do unearth some good nuggets of the shiny kind and not of the dried, chunky, fibrous variety of the organic kind.
    "...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
  • alantongalantong Posts: 41MI6 Agent
    superado wrote:
    Will do, 00-Agent. Tonight, I plan to read over the stuff at the front end, the preface, intro, etc. There's been so many recommendations about this book among Literary Bond fans, but really no substantial review or synopsis to be found online, so that I've been building up an expectation of what's ahead based on whatever snippets from others that do exist. I'm hoping for some really obscure, esoteric information, similar to the research that John Griswold undertook for his "Annotations and Chronologies" book, deriving much of its content from the archived Fleming manuscripts at the Lilly Library in Indiana. However, I'm getting a bad feeling that some of the pages I've flipped over contain, instead, lots of publishing minutiae about the Fleming book editions and other works that involve him; it was for similar qualities in the "illustrated James Bond" that made me mail it back after barely flipping over the first half of the book. I hope my first impressions are wrong and that I do unearth some good nuggets of the shiny kind and not of the dried, chunky, fibrous variety of the organic kind.

    Bear in mind this is a bibliography first and foremost. If you are serious about collecting Fleming books then its invaluable - it allows you to check every detail of books you own or about to buy. Most books are now sold with a note such as "Gilbert 1.1" which is great - you know the person selling has checked the book, dust jacket etc is correct.

    As above, the primary use of the book is a reference book - you look up details on a specific book. Beyond this however it is full of interesting facts / figures & stories that again as a collector makes the book dual purpose - its an interesting and informative book to browse as well.

    Although I am a huge fan of this book and in awe of the effort put into making it I can see that if you are not interested in collecting Fleming books (as opposed to just reading them) then its probably not the best book to own.
  • The Domino EffectThe Domino Effect Posts: 3,631MI6 Agent
    Congrats Superado. I am very confident that you won't regret it and even if you find the contents of the book disappointing, you can always use the tome itself to get into shape, press small rodents to place in your album, or as an anchor to stop your house from blowing away in strong winds.
  • Polar Bear 0007Polar Bear 0007 CanadaPosts: 129MI6 Agent
    The book has everything, I think it's the best book on Fleming/Bond available. If there's a problem, it's how to read the monster, certainly not the easiest book to handle due to it's size!
    This is where we leave you Mr. Bond. (Pilot, Apollo Airlines)
  • The Domino EffectThe Domino Effect Posts: 3,631MI6 Agent
    The book has everything, I think it's the best book on Fleming/Bond available. If there's a problem, it's how to read the monster, certainly not the easiest book to handle due to it's size!

    True...but on the bright side by the time you finish reading it, you'll have Daniel Craig's arms!
  • superadosuperado Regent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,651MI6 Agent
    edited January 2014
    alantong wrote:
    superado wrote:
    Will do, 00-Agent. Tonight, I plan to read over the stuff at the front end, the preface, intro, etc. There's been so many recommendations about this book among Literary Bond fans, but really no substantial review or synopsis to be found online, so that I've been building up an expectation of what's ahead based on whatever snippets from others that do exist. I'm hoping for some really obscure, esoteric information, similar to the research that John Griswold undertook for his "Annotations and Chronologies" book, deriving much of its content from the archived Fleming manuscripts at the Lilly Library in Indiana. However, I'm getting a bad feeling that some of the pages I've flipped over contain, instead, lots of publishing minutiae about the Fleming book editions and other works that involve him; it was for similar qualities in the "illustrated James Bond" that made me mail it back after barely flipping over the first half of the book. I hope my first impressions are wrong and that I do unearth some good nuggets of the shiny kind and not of the dried, chunky, fibrous variety of the organic kind.

    Bear in mind this is a bibliography first and foremost. If you are serious about collecting Fleming books then its invaluable - it allows you to check every detail of books you own or about to buy. Most books are now sold with a note such as "Gilbert 1.1" which is great - you know the person selling has checked the book, dust jacket etc is correct.

    As above, the primary use of the book is a reference book - you look up details on a specific book. Beyond this however it is full of interesting facts / figures & stories that again as a collector makes the book dual purpose - its an interesting and informative book to browse as well.

    Although I am a huge fan of this book and in awe of the effort put into making it I can see that if you are not interested in collecting Fleming books (as opposed to just reading them) then its probably not the best book to own.

    Yes, now that I have the book in hand, I have a better understanding of the content and the lay of the land, which was pretty much what I thought as posted earlier. The problem as I mentioned earlier was, no adequate review of the book could be found online, not even Amazon.
    "...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
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