Ian Fleming's 'Quantum of Solace' Hardback Now Shipping

Following up the paperback release at the beginning of the month, 007 fans in the UK can now get their hands on the hardback edition of Ian Fleming’s Quantum of Solace.

Identical content-wise to the recently released Quantum of Solace: The Complete James Bond Short Stories collection, this forthcoming release brings together the nine 007 short stories that make up the For Your Eyes Only and Octopussy & The Living Daylights collections).

Hardback cover | Paperback cover

Bond fans can currently order this hardback edition, retailing at £20.00, online at Amazon.co.uk.

• Order the UK hardback edition of Quantum of Solace from Amazon.co.uk
• Order the UK paperback edition of Quantum of Solace from Amazon.co.uk

Keep watching the CommanderBond.net main page for the most complete literary James Bond coverage on the web.

To keep track of all the upcoming 007 releases, events, television shows, and more–just keep your eyes on the CBn Calendar, located on the right panel of our main page.

Paperback Editions Of Daniel Craig Biographies Now Available

As earlier announced on CommanderBond.net, this month sees the release of two paperback biographies of the current 007–Daniel Craig.

Daniel O’Brien’s Daniel Craig – Ultimate Professional and Sarah Marshall’s Daniel Craig: The Biography are currently both shipping from Amazon.co.uk.

Both titles originally debuted in hardback in the UK towards the end of 2007 and in early 2008 for the US.

O’Brien’s Daniel Craig – Ultimate Professional is published by Reynolds & Hearn and retails for £8.99:

YOU KNOW HIS NAME – not only as the latest James Bond in Casino Royale, but also as XXXX in Layer Cake, Ben Driscoll in The Invasion and Lord Asriel in The Golden Compass. Yet Daniel Craig has long been recognised as one of the best British actors of his generation, a committed professional who is passionate about his work and has often shunned the lure of easy money in Hollywood blockbusters in favour of more challenging roles in low-budget European films.

Daniel Craig – Ultimate Professional takes an in-depth look at the career of the pub landlord’s son who made his acting debut at the age of six and rose to prominence through roles such as the tormented Geordie Peacock in Our Friends In The North, the schizophrenic Ray in Some Voices, the mercenary archeologist Alex West in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, the amorous carpenter Darren in The Mother, and the murderous Perry Smith in Infamous.

Fully illustrated throughout, Daniel Craig – Ultimate Professional also includes 16 pages of colour photos of the actor who was voted the sexiest man in the world in a recent poll.

Marshall’s Daniel Craig: The Biography is published by John Blake Publishing Ltd and will retail for £7.99:

He’s gorgeous, tremendously talented, charming and sexy. His breathtaking performance as the new James Bond in Casino Royale won him legions of fans and proved that, as well as being an outstanding actor; he could cut it as an action hero and could re-define a cinematic icon to huge critical acclaim. Daniel Craig, arguably the most inspiring 007, has truly made it as an A-list film star. This fascinating and affectionate book reveals everything about Britain’s favourite leading man: how he endured poverty-stricken years when he was first struggling to make it as an actor in London; how he rejected the ‘trivial’ publicity that came when he started to make a name for himself; his relationships, including his marriage to a British actress with whom he has a daughter; plus his encounters with Sienna Miller and Kate Moss and how he has handled the adulation that has come from his new role as 007. This is the intriguing story of a supremely talented actor who has established his reputation, then defied expectations and silenced those who doubted his Bond would live up to its predecessors. It is essential reading for any Daniel Craig admirer and for the masses of film fans for whom his performance as Bond was an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Order the paperback editions:

• Order the UK paperback edition of Daniel Craig: The Biography from Amazon.co.uk
• Order the UK paperback edition of Daniel Craig – Ultimate Professional from Amazon.co.uk

Order the hardback editions:

• Order the UK hardback edition of Daniel Craig: The Biography from Amazon.co.uk
• Order the UK hardback edition of Daniel Craig – Ultimate Professional from Amazon.co.uk
• Order the US hardback edition of Daniel Craig: The Biography from Amazon.com
• Order the US hardback edition of Daniel Craig – Ultimate Professional from Amazon.com

Stay tuned to CommanderBond.net for all the latest literary James Bond news.

Alex Jennings Reads 'Casino Royale' On BBC Radio 7

With Quantum of Solace receiving its world premiere tomorrow evening, there’s never been a better time to return to where the James Bond legacy began.

This week, award-winning English actor Alex Jennings (Babel, The Queen) reads from Ian Fleming’s debut 007 outing, Casino Royale, on BBC Radio 7.

Episode 1 has already aired, but it can still be downloaded from the BBC Radio 7 website.

The remaining four 30-minute episodes will be broadcast each day this week at 9:30 a.m., 8:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. the following morning. If you miss one, they can be downloaded for seven days from the first broadcast.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for the most up-to-date literary 007 news on the web.

'Ian Fleming's Seven Deadlier Sins And 007's Moral Compass'

In the midst of the seemingly endless James Bond-related releases this month, one almost passed us by unnoticed.

Released at the beginning of this month and currently available online at Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com is Ian Fleming’s Seven Deadlier Sins and 007’s Moral Compass by Benjamin Pratt.

This ‘Bible study of James Bond’ puts the reader into the role of the famous secret agent and is based on the idea that each of his numerous enemies is actually a personification of one of the seven deadly sins.

Published by David Crumm Media, this 176-page paperback retails for £7.95 / $12.95.

Order online:

• Order Ian Fleming’s Seven Deadlier Sins and 007’s Moral Compass from Amazon.co.uk
• Order Ian Fleming’s Seven Deadlier Sins and 007’s Moral Compass from Amazon.com

CommanderBond.net will continue to keep you updated on all the latest literary James Bond news and coverage. To keep track of all the upcoming 007 releases, events, television shows, and more, check out the CBn Calendar, located on the right panel of our main page.

The Blades Library Book Club: COLD

Welcome back to The Blades Library Book Club – the place for quality discussions of the books of James Bond!

Every two months a James Bond 007 novel is chosen for the club members to read. A thread is posted in the club forums listing locations on where you can find the novel. Discussions about the book will go on as the book is read and when it is finished. Another thread will be created so that club members can post their review and give a rating on the current book.

All fans of the Literary Bond are eligible for membership. All you need to do to sign up is register on the CBn Forums (it’s free and only takes a minute) and then post your name in the sign up thread.

The Book Club’s 29th Book

We are progressing though the James Bond 007 novels in chronological order, since quite a number of members are using the club as an opportunity to read the books for the very first time. The club has just finished all fourteen of the Ian Fleming novels as well as the one-time-only Bond novel by Kingsley Amis, Colonel Sun. Most recently, the club moved onto the John Gardner era, and now continues with his fourteenth and final novel: 1996’s COLD (published as Cold Fall in the US).

Obtaining The Book

Ordering online should be fairly easy. COLD can be ordered online (although in used condition) from the following sources:

• Amazon.co.uk
• Amazon.com
• eBay

Discuss other places to buy COLD or where you got your copy in this thread.

Discuss The Book While Reading

Want to talk about the book while reading it? Post a new thread in The Blades Library.

Review And Rate The Book

After you have finished reading COLD, you can discuss it with other club members in The Blades Library, and give the book your personal rating out of five in this thread.

If you have any questions or suggestions just post them in a new thread. Happy reading.

*New* Archive Of All Past Read Books

Additionally, club members can review or comment on any of the past read books in the club any time they want. Click here for the full archive of the past read books in the club.

Previous Books Read

• SeaFire: August 2008 – September 2008
• Never Send Flowers: June 2008 – July 2008
• Death Is Forever: April 2008 – May 2008
• The Man From Barbarossa: February 2008 – March 2008
• Brokenclaw: December 2007 – January 2008
• Win, Lose Or Die: October 2007 – November 2007
• Scorpius: August 2007 – September 2007
• No Deals, Mr. Bond: June 2007 – July 2007
• Nobody Lives Forever: April 2007 – May 2007
• Role Of Honour: February 2007 – March 2007
• Icebreaker: December 2006 – January 2007
• For Special Services: October 2006 – November 2006
• Licence Renewed: August 2006 – September 2006
• Colonel Sun: June 2006 – July 2006
• Octopussy & The Living Daylights: April 2006 – May 2006
• The Man With The Golden Gun: February 2006 – March 2006
• You Only Live Twice: December 2005 – January 2006
• On Her Majesty’s Secret Service: October 2005 – November 2005
• The Spy Who Loved Me: August 2005 – September 2005
• Thunderball: June 2005 – July 2005
• For Your Eyes Only: April 2005 – May 2005
• Goldfinger: February 2005 – March 2005
• Doctor No: December 2004 – January 2005
• From Russia, With Love: September 2004 – November 2004
• Diamonds Are Forever: July 2004 – August 2004
• Moonraker: May 2004 – June 2004
• Live and Let Die: May 2003 – June 2003
• Casino Royale: March 2003 – April 2003

'The Moneypenny Diaries: Final Fling' Paperback Due 30 October

The Moneypenny Diaries: Final Fling will be released in paperback next week, just five months after its hardcover release.

The third book in Samantha Weinberg’s James Bond spin-off trilogy (written under the alias, Kate Westbrook) ties up all the loose ends in the first two instalments of the series, Guardian Angel and Secret Servant.

The paperback edition, which was brought forward from a March 2009 release and then from November 2008, will feature the same stunning Stina Persson artwork that adorned the hardcover release.

The first book, Guardian Angel, was published in the United States in May.

At the risk of editorialising, I can’t recommend The Moneypenny Diaries highly enough. While it helps that the books are set within the timeline of Fleming’s original stories (often providing an alternate viewpoint or filling the gaps between significant events), Weinberg creates a palpable atmosphere in weaving a story that spans over 40 years. It is, however, a trilogy in the truest sense, so I strongly advise beginning with the first book. If you’re craving more Fleming, Weinberg delivers, while still giving James Bond fans a set of completely unique page-turners. Ultimately, the books are full of milestone moments in the literary 007 canon. The entire trilogy is available at a nice discount via the Amazon links below.

In related news, Weinberg, a self-professed environmentalist, wrote an article in Sunday’s Observer, in which she fascinatingly discusses her decision to give up unnecessary shopping.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for the latest literary James Bond news.

Rare Ian Fleming Letters Going Under The Hammer

Four letters written by James Bond creator Ian Fleming are scheduled to hit the auction block next month.

According to a Telegraph article, the letters were written to Duchess Loelia Ponsonby, a close friend of Fleming’s and wife of the 2nd Duke of Westminster.

Literary 007 fans should be well acquainted with the Loelia Ponsonby name as this was personal secretary of Bond, 008 and 0011 in Fleming’s early novels. She retires in 1963’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and was ultimately replaced by Mary Goodnight.

The flirtatious manner of the letters, including jokey declarations of love, echoes the playful exchanges between the characters of Bond and Miss Moneypenny.

One is signed ‘S.W.A.K.’ [sealed with a kiss] while another has the postscript: ‘PS This is a love letter.’ In another, he invites her to the Blenheim Ball, saying: ‘I shall come and wake you with a kiss, I shall sleep outside (I said outside) your door and live on Luft and Liebe – which means air and love…’

Upon returning from a trip to Cannes and tempting her to visit, he wrote: ‘I would coo to you and smooth you down and then you wouldn’t talk so fast and think someone is always standing behind your back.’

While the letters are undated, the subject matter places them sometime in the 1940’s. Discussing the then Prime Minister Winston Churchill (who served as a witness at Ponsonby’s wedding), Fleming says: ‘Winston refuses to join the cabinet except on his own terms. The cabinet is terrified at the idea of letting the fox in among the chickens.’

Of a trip to Moscow Fleming joked: ‘I wrote a world beating memorandum on the Russian army when I got back. The chancelleries are still quaking from it and I expect it will start a war.’

The four letters will be auctioned on Thursday, 13 November at Christie’s, South Kensington. They are expected to fetch up to £3,500.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest James Bond-related news from around the world.

'Bond On Set' And 'Secret World Of 007' Released In US

James Bond fans in the United States are treated to two high-profile literary 007 releases today.

The first of which is the latest edition to Greg Williams’ own “making-of” series, Bond on Set: Filming Quantum of Solace.

Bond girls, cool gadgets, explosive scenes and much, much more – get behind the scenes of Quantum of Solace. Experience the glamour of film-making on location with premier celebrity photographer Greg Williams and follow the making of Quantum of Solace. Featuring an exclusive interview with Daniel Craig on the making of Quantum of Solace and never-seen-before shots of the cast and creators – spy them shooting spectacular scenes and relaxing between takes. Candid soundbites from the actors and revealing inside information promise intriguing insights into the making of the film. Get up close and personal with the makers of Quantum of Solace. Make it your mission to read it today.

Order online:

• Order the UK hardback edition of Bond on Set: Filming Quantum of Solace from Amazon.co.uk
• Order the US hardback edition of Bond on Set: Filming Quantum of Solace from Amazon.com

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The second is the newly updated edition of James Bond: The Secret World of 007 by DK Publishing and Alastair Dougall.

Last reprinted in 2006 for the release of Casino Royale, this book has been updated once again with Quantum of Solace coverage.

Become an expert on the extraordinary career of 007 and get the inside scoop on his missions, from defeating the power-mad schemes of Dr No to the mysteries of Casino Royale and go behind the scenes of his latest movie, Quantum of Solace through unseen photography.

Starting with a foreword penned by M herself, uncover the world of Bond, the world’s most famous secret agent. Spectacular photographs reveal the secrets of many of Bond’s amazing gadgets, racy vehicles and racier eye-candy. Explore the lairs of the supervillains he has defeated and follow bullet-by-blow accounts of some of his most death-defying chases and battles.

Investigate 007’s distinctive style, his complicated love life and relationships with other members of M16 from M to Q and Miss Moneypenny. It’s a thrill-a-page 007 adventure.

• Order the UK hardback edition of James Bond: The Secret World of 007 from Amazon.co.uk
• Order the US hardback edition of James Bond: The Secret World of 007 from Amazon.com

Keep your eyes on the CBn main page for all the latest literary James Bond news and coverage.

Charlie Higson's 'Hurricane Gold' Gets Doncaster Award Nomination

Young James Bond fans will be pleased to hear the news that Hurricane Gold, the fourth novel in the series by Charlie Higson, has been nominated for a Doncaster Book Award.

The Young Bond Dossier reports that kids from local schools can write reviews and vote for the book of their choice at the official Doncaster Book Awards website.

Voting slips will also be made available next month at the Waterstone’s bookshop in the Frenchgate Centre. The shortlist of titles will be announced in January 2009.

Stay up-to-date with all the latest Young Bond news at CommanderBond.net.

Win Sir Roger Moore's 'My Word Is My Bond'

CommanderBond.net has teamed up with Michael O’Mara Books to give away a copy of Sir Roger Moore’s brand new autobiography, My Word Is My Bond.

Released in the UK earlier this month and due out in the US in November, My Word is My Bond sees Sir Roger sharing his recollections of playing some of the world’s most famous roles alongside a host of legendary stars. With myriad stories from his personal life–from his childhood in London and experiences during the Second World War, to the happy and turbulent times in his later life. Along with anecdotes about his encounters with the stars and his wonderful memories from the heyday of Hollywood, My Word is My Bond is as frank, funny and disarmingly charming as the legend himself.

The copy offered in this competition is a first edition UK hardback.

This competition is open to all members of CBn. You must be a registered member of the CBn Forums and answer the following question correctly to be eligible to win. Not yet a member of CBn? Register here now–it is free and only takes a minute!

How To Enter:

To enter, fill out the following questionnaire and send a Communiqué/Private Message on the CBn Forums to ‘CBn Competition’ (Subject: CBn Roger Moore) by Midnight EST on 7 November 2008 (simply click on the link in this paragraph).

1. Bond girl Maud Adams, who appeared alongside Roger Moore in The Man with the Golden Gun and Octopussy, also had a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo in which 007 film:

1. The Spy Who Loved Me
2. Moonraker
3. For Your Eyes Only
4. A View to a Kill

2. What is your CBn Forum Screen Name?
3. What country/state do you live in?