'Devil May Care' Gets A UK Audiobook

Sebastian Faulks’ highly-anticipated James Bond novel, Devil May Care, will receive a UK audiobook edition by Penguin Audio.

Due to be released on 28 May 2008, the audiobook is available to pre-order now from Amazon.co.uk.

A US audiobook edition is also forthcoming.

There is no word on who will be reading either edition.

While no audiobooks have been released for Samantha Weinberg’s Moneypenny Diaries series, Charlie Higson read each of his Young Bond novels for the UK audiobook editions (Nathanial Parker has read for the U.S. audiobook editions).

• Order the UK hardback edition of Devil May Care from Amazon.co.uk
• Order the UK audiobook edition of Devil May Care from Amazon.co.uk
• Order the US hardback edition of Devil May Care from Amazon.com
• Order the US audiobook edition of Devil May Care from Amazon.com
• Order the US large print edition of Devil May Care from Amazon.com

Keep watching CBn for all the latest literary James Bond news and coverage.

Looking Back: 'The World Is Not Enough'

The CBn ‘Looking Back…’ series now moves onto Raymond Benson’s second of ultimately three James Bond novelizations, The World Is Not Enough. The book was first released in October 1999, just a few months before the theatrical premiere of Pierce Brosnan’s third 007 film of the same name. CBn takes a look back at The World Is Not Enough–included are publication details, the original jacket blurbs and trivia notes about the book…

Greed, revenge, world domination through the power of oil, high-tech terrorism… Only some of the ingredients of this latest 007 adventure which begins outside the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain and continues with a spectacular high-speed boat chase up the Thames and an avalanche in the Caucasus Mountains before Bond faces a murderous enemy in Baku and a potential nuclear explosion in Turkey.

Sir Robert King, a wealthy tycoon, is murdered in an unprecedented bombing at the Secret Intelligence Service’s London headquarters. M takes the attack personally and sends James Bond to what was once the USSR to protect King’s heiress his beautiful and fiery daughter Elektra. For the bombing is the work of “Renard”, the cruel and cunning terrorist who once kidnapped Elektra King and held her to ransom.

With nuclear weapons expert Dr. Christmas Jones at his side, Bond travels to the Caspian Sea–where a former enemy becomes a formidable ally–before the final dramatic confrontation in the claustrophobic confines of a nuclear submarine beneath the surface of the Bosphorus.

The World Is Not Enough takes James Bond to new levels of danger, intrigue and non-stop action.

UK First Edition Hodder & Stoughton Hardback

Trivia

When comparing the film and novelization for The World Is Not Enough, one can see that Raymond Benson added a few changes of his own. Notable differences include the Cigar Girl getting a name–Giulietta da Vinci as well as a scene between herself and Renard that was cut out the film (but can be seen as one of the special features on the Ultimate Edition DVD).

Some editions of the UK Coronet paperback had a red sticker on the front offering readers a chance to win a Sony Playstation and the Playstation Tomorrow Never Dies video game.

Despite the switch from the Walther PPK to the P99 in the 1997 film Tomorrow Never Dies (as well as Benson’s novelization of that film), here Bond is using the PPK.

There was no US hardback printing of The World Is Not Enough.

While Tomorrow Never Dies remains the most difficult of all the Raymond Benson James Bond novels and novelizations to obtain in UK 1st hardback printing, copies of the hardback edition of The World Is Not Enough are generally easier and somewhat cheaper to come by.

Six years after its initial release, a UK large print hardback edition by Ulverscroft/Linford Western Library was issued for The World Is Not Enough. This edition featured a new and unique cover.

While being promoted to the captain status in later John Gardner James Bond novels, here 007 is a commander once again.

Around the world in 007 ways.

After oil tycoon Sir Robert King is killed in a bombing at MI6 headquarters, his daughter, Elektra, inherits his fortune–billions of dollars worth of oil deposits in the Caspian Sea… and James Bond, 007, as a bodyguard. Her new wealth attracts international interest. But she has also attracted the attentions of her father’s killer…

His name is Renard. A bullet lodged in his brain has rendered him unable to feel physical pain, and he has but one reason left to live–revenge. There’s only one man who can take the heat between a beautiful heiress, a malicious sociopath and his final diabolical plan.

US Boulevard Paperback

Release Timeline

• 1999: 1st British Hodder & Stoughton Hardback Edition
• 1999: 1st British Coronet Paperback Edition
• 1999: 1st American Boulevard Paperback Edition
• 2005: 1st British Ulverscroft/Linford Western Library Large Print Hardback Edition

Your Own Opinion On The World Is Not Enough

Want to share your thoughts and opinion on Raymond Benson’s The World Is Not Enough? Feel free to discuss the novelization by visiting this thread and give the novelization your personal rating in this thread on the CommanderBond.net Forums.

Stuntman Marvin Campbell Returns For 'Bond 22'

At a collector’s fair in Utrecht, The Netherlands, this past weekend, stuntman Marvin Campbell (not to be confused with the director of GoldenEye and Casino Royale!) confirmed to James Bond Nederland that he would be returning for Bond 22.

Campbell was the stunt double for Sebastian Foucan in Casino Royale and performed in sequences of the jaw-dropping Madagascar chase that was a highlight of the film.

When asked about next year’s James Bond film and if he was returning, Campbell said: ‘Yes, gentleman I’m in. But I can’t tell you more than this: Bond 22 will be more realistic than Casino Royale. Most of the members of the production team will return in the new movie.’

Even more realistic than Casino Royale? Feel free to discuss this 007 news here on the CommanderBond.net Forums.

Keep watching CBn for all the latest Bond 22 coverage.

Two Daniel Craig Biographies Coming To US In Spring 2008

Initially announced by CBn back in May of this year, two new Daniel Craig biographies were set for release this past September.

After being released in the UK, amazon.com has updated its listings to the reflect the new release date for US James Bond fans–April and May 2008.

The first of these books is Daniel Craig: The Biography by Sarah Marshall. Published by John Blake and retailing at $24.95, this hardback is due for release on 28 May 2008. The full blurb:

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.

The second, Daniel Craig – Ultimate Professional, by Daniel O’Brien, is due for release on 1 May. Retailing for $27.95, this hardback is published by Reynolds & Hearn. The blurb follows:

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.

• Order Daniel Craig: The Biography from Amazon.com
• Order Daniel Craig – Ultimate Professional from Amazon.com

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

New Hardback Editions Of Ian Fleming's James Bond Novels Available To Pre-order

Earlier this month, CBn reported the fantastic news that a 14 of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels were due to be reprinted in new hardback editions, as part of the celebration of Ian Fleming’s centenary next year.

The Literary 007 now reports that these new editions, published as part of the Penguin 007 imprint by Michael Joseph Ltd, are each available for pre-order at amazon.co.uk. Each 007 novel will retail for £14.99 and all are set for release on 28 May 2008–the same day that Sebastian Faulks’ own Bond novel, Devil May Care, makes its debut.

No details on the cover artwork yet, but as soon as CBn has the details, so will you.

Purchase the hardback reprints of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels from Amazon:

Keep watching CBn for all the latest literary James Bond news and coverage. 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.

Report: Mathieu Amalric Cast As 'Bond 22' Villain

According to Fox News’ FOX411 column, French actor Mathieu Amalric has been cast as the villain in the next James Bond film.

Columnist Roger Friedman claims “that was the word” at a lunch this week for Le Scaphandre Et Le Papillon (The Diving Bell And The Butterfly), in which Amalric stars. Friedman writes, “Even though sources insist it’s true, Amalric would neither confirm nor deny.”

“Anyway, expect a formal announcement shortly. This is a done deal.”

While the source of this rumour is not unquestionable, there are some elements to the report that make it stand out. For a start, 43-year-old Amalric starred in 2005’s Munich, alongside Daniel Craig; he played the son of Moonraker villain, Michael Lonsdale’s character (curiously, in Le Scaphandre Et Le Papillon, he plays the son of Never Say Never Again baddie, Max Von Sydow).

Secondly, Eva Green suggested last year that Bond 22‘s villain would be none other than Vesper Lynd’s French-Algerian boyfriend, something screenwriter Paul Haggis recently refused to deny. Amalric’s age, nationality and appearance all gel with this.

His casting would also continue the practice of hiring relatively unknown European actors, which worked so successfully in last year’s Casino Royale.

Other rumoured candidates for the role include James Bond #6 candidate, Goran Visnjic and Swedish actor, Rafael Edholm.

Jesper Christensen, who played Casino Royale‘s Mr White – last seen confronted by James Bond at the end of the film – is also set to return.

It’s all worth taking with a grain of salt, so keep watching CommanderBond.net for any developments, confirmations or denials on this Bond 22 rumour.

Columbia: 'Bond 22' To Be Unaffected By Strike

Reuters today report that the Writers Guild of America strike, currently in its third week, has taken its first casualty, Columbia Pictures’ Angels And Demons. In their statement, the studio, which also produces the James Bond films, confirmed it did not expect the strike to affect any other films slated for release in 2008, including Bond 22.

The sequel to The Da Vinci Code was delayed until 2009 because the studio was unsatisfied with the script for the picture. “While the filmmakers and the studio feel the screenplay is very strong, we do not believe it is the fully realised production draft required of this ambitious project,” Columbia said.

Some 007 fans had expressed concern that Bond 22 may be similarly delayed after screenwriter Paul Haggis recently claimed the film’s script remained unpolished. The writer turned in a draft for the picture just days before the strike commenced.

These concerns now appear to be unfounded.

Keep watching CBn for the latest news on Bond 22.

Charlie Higson Says More Adult James Bond Novels On The Way

The keen-eyed Literary 007 website has noted a particularly major piece of 007-related news that is included in the latest edition of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang magazine.

In a featured panel disussion (which originally took place in November 2006) between Young Bond author Charlie Higson, composer David Arnold and main title designer Daniel Kleinman, Higson makes a brief mention that Ian Fleming Publications (IFP) are planning more adult James Bond books in the future.

The key word to latch upon in Higson’s statement is ‘books’–not just one book, as in Sebastian Faulks’ upcoming centenary Bond novel, Devil May Care, but even more after that.

This news sets the stage for a flood of new questions. Who will be writing these books? Faulks? Higson? Someone new? Is there going to be a long-running series? When will these books be coming out? It really is a good time to be a Bond fan.

Do you have a specific question about the possibilities of new adult Bond novels? Or perhaps just a comment to make? Sound off here on the CommanderBond.net Forums.

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

007's Walther From 'Tomorrow Never Dies' Going Up For Auction

James Bond fans looking to own one of 007’s weapons of choice will want to check out the Hollywood Roadshow Live Auction that begins tomorrow.

A Walther P99 prop gun, which is first issued to Bond in Pierce Brosnan’s Tomorrow Never Dies (and is also the film from which this specific prop comes from) will be going on sale at 11:00AM on Saturday, 17 November in Los Angeles at 128 Sierra St.
El Segundo, California 90245. In addition, fans will be able to bid for this piece of Bond memorabilia plus much more online at www.hollywoodroadshow.com and eBay.com.

The specific listing for the Tomorrow Never Dies Walther P99 prop gun, which can be viewed here, estimates that it will fetch a price anywhere between $100 and $25,000. The full description:

TOMORROW NEVER DIES – The ultimate prop from one of the most enduring and beloved movie franchises ever, this is a stunt Walther P99 used by Pierce Brosnan in the film. This gun is a prop only and cannot be made to fire in any way. It is one of five guns made for the film and is one of only two P99’s guns confirmed as coming from the film. This piece comes with copy of the auction papers from Christie’s (name has been blacked out for privacy purposes) which includes the sale date of DEC- 5 -00, when it was first sold. This gun’s hammer price was 8,500 Pounds sterling. The sister gun of the one sold at Christie’s on February 14th, 2001, for over $15,000.

This item is oversized and will require additional shipping charges. Please e-mail for shipping rates before bidding. (BRH3001)

Proceeds from this sale will be donated to the charities through the ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY FOUNDATION.

If you are interested in participating in this auction, visit www.hollywoodroadshow.com for all the details or phone the Los Angeles site at 310-322-PROP (7767).

Keep watching CBn for all the latest James Bond news.

"M" Takes Off To Panama

According to a report from Yahoo! News UK, Dame Judi Dench’s “M” will head to Panama in the next James Bond picture.

The actress said, “‘M’ is off to Panama – there’s a big adventure with James. Mind you, I’ll be too busy flirting with Daniel Craig. He is gorgeous.”

If accurate, the news confirms reports that Panama would feature in next year’s Bond 22.

At September’s National Movie Awards, the actress revealed her character would once again be in the field, having last year briefed Daniel Craig’s 007 in the Bahamas.

Bond 22 will mark Dame Judi’s sixth appearance as “M”.

Stay tuned to CommanderBond.net for the most up-to-date Bond 22 news on the web.