113 replies to this topic

[MarkA]

Why do you keep buying the books?

The Art of Bond was bought as a Birthday present. The Encyclopaedia I bought over the net. Stupidly because John Cork was involved I thought it might be good. Oh well, generally I am pretty wary of anything indorsed by EON.
With the EON books I think initially the pretty pictures and glossy designs suck in the people. But under the surface they are all paper-thin and say nothing new, but the corporate line. Unfortunately books like Robert Sellers Battle of the Bonds could do with a much better design and a good proof read, but beneath the surface is a superb book. As they say never judge a book by its cover.

[JimmyBond]

I received notification from Barnes & Noble that it's going to be about 4-5 days before it ships. Sounds as though the distribution is a bit delayed everywhere.

That's funny, because I was in Barne's N Noble a day before you posted that, and I saw several of the Encycopedias sitting on the shelf. Sometimes it's better to actually walk into a store and see for yourself I hate purchasing something online and then realizing I could have had it quicker if I had just checked the stor first.

[Blofeld's Cat]

Sometimes it's better to actually walk into a store and see for yourself

Wow, what a concept.


Still not sure whether to get this book.

[RJJB]

I received notification from Barnes & Noble that it's going to be about 4-5 days before it ships. Sounds as though the distribution is a bit delayed everywhere.

That's funny, because I was in Barne's N Noble a day before you posted that, and I saw several of the Encycopedias sitting on the shelf. Sometimes it's better to actually walk into a store and see for yourself I hate purchasing something online and then realizing I could have had it quicker if I had just checked the stor first.

It was cheaper on line so I don't mind the wait.
It's been shipped and I'll get it Friday.

[AgentPB]

I can't wait for this book it looks like it will be a high quality product and i can't get enough James Bond fact books. It will be interesting to see what new type of spin this will have.

[RJJB]

I received the book today and I have to admit I have reached my limit on this type of book. This reads like a slightly more mature version of the The Secret World of 007 that DK published a few years ago. No real surprises and none expected. It comes nowhere near the quality of The Legacy book of a few years ago. I'm returning it. As someone mentioned earlier, it's best to look at in the store first.

[MarkA]

I received the book today and I have to admit I have reached my limit on this type of book. This reads like a slightly more mature version of the The Secret World of 007 that DK published a few years ago. No real surprises and none expected. It comes nowhere near the quality of The Legacy book of a few years ago. I'm returning it. As someone mentioned earlier, it's best to look at in the store first.

I agree totally. Come on John Cork you should be ashamed to attach your name to such vacuous rubbish. Unless the pay is good.

[scaramunga]

Thanks for the updates on the book.

I think I'm going to take a look at it, but will pass on getting it right now.

EON needs to make more interesting books, rather than rehashing storylines, character info, etc.

Marketing, behing the scenes, and Music are 3 topics that need better coverage in book form.

Not the story of what happens in the film version of Goldfinger and that Goldfinger was played by Gert Frobe. For trivia they probably list that Bassey sang 3 Bond themes...

[Turn]

Okay, I now feel qualified to weigh in on this more at length having actually checked out The James Bond Encyclopedia in a store earlier tonight.

Like many, I was skeptical and it wasn't a whole lot different than my expectations held. But this book is definitely not without merit.

As far as the quality of layout and the photos, it's right up there with the best reference books, IMO. It had some nice shots, most of which I've seen and a few I hadn't and that was just on a quick glance.

The copy I read was just what you would expect as far as the few random entries I checked out. Hugo Drax was one entry I selected and it basically repeats the plot of MR with a few obvious tidbits thrown in.

In this way, it reminds me of the book that came out in 1987 during the 25th anniversary called The Official James Bond Movie Book. That came out at a time when there were relatively few Bond books on the market and I bought it. It was also basic facts with some nice color photos (and some B&W pics) thrown in. Most if not all the Bond reference books at the time were In checking it out before writing this, I noticed it still had the price sticker on it -- $14.95. I'm not sure what that translates into in today's dollars.

I will gladly add The James Bond Encyclopedia to my collection one day -- but not at the full retail price. I think perhaps that's the mistake taken with this approach. Whereas The Legacy was a special book and worth a full retail price for the information and rarities it presents, The James Bond Encyclopedia just isn't in that league. It would have worked much better as a paperback version for less money. Sort of like The Making of Star Wars.

I'll put it this way, if I were a new fan and wanted to know as much about the series in general as I could, this would be the book to have. But as a seasoned fan, I'd rather invest in something such as The Battle For Bond, which treads new ground.

[Qwerty]

Just picked this up today. A lot bigger than I expected!

Was kind of nice to see the story must have somehow accidentally priced this, since it was only about $22.

[doublenoughtspy]

Where did you find it for that price? Good deal!

[Qwerty]

Borders. I really think it must have been some sort of error, but I'm not complaining.

[Gobi-1]

I paid 25 dollars for mine at Hastings (a Borders type chain).

[sharpshooter]

Apparently my Bond Encyclopedia is going to being held back for a Christmas present. Damn this wait.

[Qwerty]

I paid 25 dollars for mine at Hastings (a Borders type chain).

Also a good deal!

Don't think we have any Hastings around here. There are the occasional WaldenBooks stores in the malls--although B&N competition seems to be pushing those away.

[sharpshooter]

I looked through this book just then at the store. Very nice book, love the shot of the dam and plane from GoldenEye in the first few pages in.

[zencat]

A very fine detailed review by Tanner/Brisco at Double O Section.

[sharpshooter]

Good review.

[scaramunga]

Thanks for posting the review.

I also appreciate the other people who have seen it as well posting their thoughts.

I'll check it out and probably try and pick it up used at some point.

There just doesn't sound like there is much depth to it.

[scaramunga]

I got the book as a gift for Christmas. I've moved through it rather fast. Most of the info, I know already. I did think the portion at the beginning on the actors and the chapters covering the films at the end were done very well.

It's a beautiful book layout. I just wish there has been more meat to it.

Hoping to see some decent books in 2008 for the new film and hopefully something touching on the older films too.

Has everyone seen this site? I think this would be an amazing James Bond book...

http://www.onthetracksof007.com/

[Qwerty]

Has everyone seen this site? I think this would be an amazing James Bond book...

http://www.onthetracksof007.com/

A magnificent site.

Check out this recent article: http://commanderbond.net/article/4765

[TheSaint]

Yes-Martijn's site would make excellent fodder for a DK-type book.

[scaramunga]

Agreed! I think a DVD with video would be an awesome inclusion too. Either way, very, very cool idea.

[Mark_Hazard]

Just to let one and all know (at least those living in the UK) that Tesco is currently selling this