207 replies to this topic

[medrecess]

Anyway ,THANKS.The Gardner books are difficult to get in Mumbai and thst is the reason.

[Hitch]

Medrecess,

Are there any Gardner books that you haven't read?

[medrecess]

I havent read any of the gardner books unfortunately.You guys in the west are lucky to have access to all the James bond books but in India you only get the old bond books.

[Hitch]

Medrecess,

You should know by now that Universal Exports has a finger in most pies. I've had a word with Station I, and they referred me to a previous communique in this thread (have a look) which mentions a hardback copy of Licence Renewed by John Gardner. LR was Gardner's very first Bond novel, and is commonly regarded (after Kingsley Amis's Colonel Sun) as the official literary rebirth of 007. I can't promise anything, as I have to send a chit to Supplies to confirm it's in stock, but if it's still available would you like the hardback of Licence Renewed?

Here's the excellent cover (second image in the list): Station I inventory

Please let me know.

Edited by Hitch, 08 November 2005 - 06:17 PM.

[ACE]

Ah, Mr Benn, sorry, Bond, sorry Hitch

I would like a copy of The Man With The Golden MacGuffin (dust-jacket by Figaro Denscher, published by Prima in 1962).

Or South by Souwester (dust-jacket by Saul Bass, first published Andre Deutsch in 1957).

Both feature a rogue Bond agent called James Band. With an HQ in Hyde Park. And boss called L. And the evil nemesis, Shiva M'Timbres

Until that day, your dispensing of literary Bond to the needy is a noble act.

Best

ACE

[Hitch]

Dear Ace,

It's funny you should mention it, but I've recently discovered another bookshop in the seedier part of town. The clientele is a bit shifty but, compared to the staff, they are positively shining examples of citizenship. Anyway, they have an amazing stock, and I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for in their extensive Reference Section.

[ACE]

Tres drole!

Seedier part of town? Why, are there a lot more sycamores and conkers there?

Ah, the dispensation of knowledge reminds me of a story of the late comedian Bill Hicks. He was touring the deep South and was in a waffle house reading a book. Accosted by a waitress, he is asked what is he reading for. Bill is stumped by the question. He has often been asked what is he reading but never what is he reading for. He responds to the girl who is chewing gum noisily that he reads for a lot of reasons: for entertainment, for knowledge but primarily so that he doesn't end up serving food in a ing waffle house!

ACE

[spynovelfan]

I hope for his sake he didn't then order a waffle.

[ACE]

Because then there would have been a kerfuffle. Ordering a waffle. After insulting the waitress who shuffled off in a funk insulted by that comedian punk reading a bunch of junk.

Sorry, but I am turning into Agnes DiPesto after watching my Moonlighting season 1 DVD's.

ACE-TRACE-FACE

[spynovelfan]

Step away from the keyboard, ACE. You've gone quite mad.

My mother is the spitting image of Agnes DiPestosauce, rather worryingly.

But back to Hitch and his terrific offer to Bond fans all over the world...

[darthbond]

I need a copy of From Russia With Love. I am trying to be the first in my area to read all the James bond Books and FRWL is the last one. Also, my mother will not buy it because she is "too busy" taking care of 4 others to get me 1 Ian Fleming book that sounds like the best. So, please help to finish all the James bond Books. Any version would be great.

darthbond

[ACE]

I

[Hitch]

LOL! Fame at last. That was...ace, ACE.

Darth, no promises, but I'll see what I can do.

Curses. Most of the links in this thread will take readers to The Art of James Bond, a website which is now offline. It's a pity, because it makes the thread less exciting (hah!). I may go back and link to new images if I can be bothered but, in the meantime, if anyone wants to interrupt this discussion of dead and defunct comedians, feel free. Failing that,

"Soldier Freddy
was never ready,
But! Soldier Neddy,
Unlike Freddy
Was always ready,
And steady,

That's why,
When Soldier Neddy
Is-outside-Buckingham-Palace-on-guard
-in-the-pouring-wind-and-rain
-being-steady-and-ready,
Freddy-
is home in beddy."

Edited by Hitch, 08 November 2005 - 03:47 PM.

[spynovelfan]

Didn't Oasis cover that, ACE?

Nice stuff.

[Qwerty]

[quote name='ACE' date='8 November 2005 - 10:42']I

[medrecess]

certainly,i would be delighted to have License Renewed.Thanks a lot.

[Hitch]

I've got a chit back from Supplies, and through the tea-rings and chocolate smears I can just make out the following:

ITEM: Licence Renewed by John Gardner.

SPECIFICATION: Hardback

MODEL: Published 1981 by Book Club Associates.

DETAILS: Good condition, slight fading on spine (may cause chafing on shoulder holster), Chopping front cover, Gardner/Fleming rear cover.

FIELD STATUS: Active

SUGGESTED ACTION: Send PM to Armourer giving full, repeat, full postal address.

FURTHER RECOMMENDATONS: All Station I staff to undergo refresher course in the spelling of the word "Licence" when referring to Universal Exports equipment.

[Hitch]

And don't anyone be cheeky enough to ask for The Moneypenny Diaries. Support your local IFP author and buy the thing yourself!

[Tarl_Cabot]

I bought a few of those first run copies about 20 years ago at a local used book shop for about $.25 to $.50. Casino Royale was one of my books but I never got farther than 10 pages or so...I had FYEO, Live and Let Die and Thunderball...I don't know what happend to them.

So,I just paid $14 for a new copy of Casino Royale...but it sure is pretty! .Anyway, I'm hooked again. No more CGI Bond misery for me.It's very nice to get reaquainted with the real Mr. Bond as you say Hitch.

I'm not sure which Fleming to read next. I wanna read them all before Nov 17, 2006.I'll be a true 007 fanboy then.

I was thinking OHMSS...I started it once...I have a terrible habit of starting books and not finishing them. *must correct bad habit*

[Hitch]

You know how from time to time, some of us, may have, you know, pretended to be James Bond? Quietly practised a slurred Scottish accent? Maybe even swivelled and pointed a banana at a mirror?

Well, some chap's got away with it. He's only managed to get himself plastered on the front of an Ian Fleming classic next to some girl who's forgotten to dress properly for an archery contest. And, to my mind, he's had too many of Bond's full English breakfasts. Look at this chump (third row down, in the middle):

For Your Eyes Only

You'll note the cover has to tell you that the book's about James Bond 007, because the picture certainly doesn't. Mark my words, these are the nasty things you discover when searching for wonderful Pan paperbacks from the 60s and unwillingly end up with something from the 1970s, the decade that taste forgot.

Anyway, it's a Triad/Granada 1981 paperback reprint of a 1979 edition of a wonderful collection of Fleming tales. It's in pretty good condition, and yes, it includes Quantum of Solace. Some of you out there are already salivating at the prospect, but remember: the usual rules apply. See previous posts for the gist of things.

The things I do for England...

Edited by Hitch, 09 November 2005 - 09:59 PM.

[Hitch]

"Hallo? Ish that you, Felixsh? Blasht theesh transhatlantic phone callsh! Lishen, I'm recommending shomeone for that tricky job in the windy [censored]ty. He'sh been out of action for a few yearsh, but now he'sh raring to go. Tarl-Cabot'sh the name. Bit of a high-roller, but handy with his fishtsh. Pinkertonsh will have hish detailsh."

[Hitch]

"What's your opinion on the matter, Quartermaster?"
"Our American colleagues have been trying desperately to perfect their system before the Soviet Union can put their plan into action. It's a race against time. They're almost there, but it seems they've fallen at the final hurdle. One final component is needed before Washington can give the go-ahead."
"Hmm, and I know which component it is," grunted M. "Can't President Kennedy spare his copy?"
"Seconded to Marilyn Monroe, according to surveillance. Rather appropriate in the circumstances, don't you think?"
"Quite. Can we spare it?"
Q blew out his cheeks. "Well, the Service is really going to have to work flat out if our friends over the pond are to avert this crisis. We may have to tighten our belts for a while, but I think it'll be worth it."
"I concur," muttered M as he tended to his temperamental pipe. "These blasted Yanks may have cellophane and cars that will do 90mph, but when it comes to supplying the world's great thrillers, only the mother country will do. But will they learn to play cricket? Will they hell."

Back in the smoke-free confines of his concrete-lined laboratory, Q lovingly ran his fingers over the latest pride and joy of Q Branch: a 1966 21st printing of a Pan Paperback, whose sleek lines and ruby-red cover had already drawn admiring glances from the younger members of staff. She was a classic beauty and, despite her age, was still capable of outshining newer, garish models. He particularly admired the comma, which to him signified the highest standards of craftmanship. Q couldn't resist one last look:

From Russia, With Love

It contained the usual refinements of sex and violence, plus an optional extra that might give 007 pause for thought: one Red Grant.

As soon as Communications handed him a PM from his East Coast contact, Special Agent Darth Bond, with a full, repeat, full postal address, America could rest easy. Unlike that oaf from the Double-O Section.

[Qwerty]

I'm not sure which Fleming to read next.

Live And Let Die! Second novel by Fleming, and one of the best!

[Leon]

Hitch,

Is there any chance you can get a copy of the old Pan You Only Live Twice or From Russia With Love?

I have wanted those for ages and can't get them anywhere!

[medrecess]

Hitch,there is a problem.In the members name column ,when i write armourer it says that there is no member called armourer .So ,instead i sent the address to you.Will that work ?

Thanks a lot.

[Hitch]

The Armourer intercepted your PM, Medrecess.

One rather swish copy of Licence Renewed will be placed in the diplomatic bag at the earliest opportunity. I hope you enjoy the book.

[medrecess]

Thanks Hitch.I dont know how should i thank you.

[Tarl_Cabot]

I'm not sure which Fleming to read next.

Live And Let Die! Second novel by Fleming, and one of the best!

Ok you sold me.

[ACE]

Damn you Hitch.

Your posts are so funny and entertaining - I've given up reading Fleming!

Damn your eyes, Hitch.



ACE

[Qwerty]

I'm not sure which Fleming to read next.

Live And Let Die! Second novel by Fleming, and one of the best!

Ok you sold me.

Hope you enjoy it. I myself love it, easily one of the most fast-paced in the series and a great follow-up to Casino Royale.