2121 replies to this topic

[terminus]

I wouldn't be embarassed to read it in public - but, then again, I regularly read Star Trek and Murder She Wrote novels in public! That said, will probably read it at home - as I don't enjoy carrying a hardback book around (a regular paperback fits into my jacket pocket quite snugly).

[Bryce (003)]

All this over bloody cover art?

As to reading in public...

I don't give a damn what anyone else thinks. Never have. Never will.

I always take along one of my battered and beloved Signet paperbacks with me when I travel. I've had more people strike up conversations with me because of the fact that I'm reading a fifty year old novel as a man in his 40's traveling in a style of a different era.

I dress suit and tie for either dinner out or taking a journey. Hey, most days of the week I'm a jeans and pullover sort of guy. If I'm getting on a plane or train though, I dress for it. That's the way I was raised.

Want to mock me? Go ahead. Could care less.

Want to have a truly good chat? Great. Love it and don't feel I have to prove myself.

I'm planning to read CB on the flight home and not before then. Outside of a cold Vesper on Virgin Atlantic, what better way to wrap up an adventure abroad?

[zencat]

Speaking of series, have there been rumours who will pen the next entry? Or would that possibly steal the thunder and we'll only hear once Carte Blanche has been around for a while???

Yeah, I was also thinking about this the other day. I expect we won't hear anything until after CB is published. But it might not be too long after.

Just think about it -- if this is a once a year deal, we will have 2 XBond books and a very good idea about the third by the time Eon trots out Bond 23: The Property of a Lady Risico. Just another reason I've thrown in with the lit side. Way more fun.

[Simon]

Just come back from a literary event at the local arts centre and the topic of cover art popped up.

I am not sure if the same happens in the US, but on the evidence before me I would tend to assume it absolutely does. It appears that the supermarkets have a huge say in how a book looks and the design of the cover. A comedian's book was being discussed by bunch of people, the bunch including the publisher, the author and some others. The discussion took a swerve when Tesco arrived who then basically dictated to 'their' audience, what was to happen with the cover design.

I spoke to one of the presenters and related the above discussion on the comparative merits of the UK over US art. He was able to tell me that in the US, crime and thriller books usually have designs that scream at you. That is, according to him, de rigueur. By all means correct me if this appears untrue.

For me though, the surprise was the power of the supermarkets in this field. The field of book jacket design. Never knew.

[zencat]

VERY interesting. Thanks, Simon.

You know, think about it, the number one place this book is going to be sold in the U.S. is probably WalMart. I'd say this cover is perfect for that.

[Loomis]

What I mean is that does it really matter if other people, particularly people you don't know, think that what you're reading is or isn't a worthwhile read?

No, of course not. But my point is that a lot of people (rightly or wrongly) would hesitate to be caught reading a book with a dreadful and geeky cover like the American one for CARTE BLANCHE, and that would surely hit sales.

You know, think about it, the number one place this book is going to be sold in the U.S. is probably WalMart. I'd say this cover is perfect for that.

In that case they should have a WalMart exclusive cover for the hoi polloi. That'd give the rest of America the chance to have a decent cover, while it would also mean an extra edition for collectors such as yourself to pick up.

[Simon]

Jumping topics somewhat, is Harry Potter the only children's book series to have been afforded an adult cover?

If not, I am somewhat surprised this hasn't been considered for Young Bond - a series of books I have to date stayed away from.

[zencat]

Jumping topics somewhat, is Harry Potter the only children's book series to have been afforded an adult cover?

If not, I am somewhat surprised this hasn't been considered for Young Bond - a series of books I have to date stayed away from.

It actually was considered at one time. Don't know what happened.

[Double-Oh Agent]

I have to agree with Loomis, though. Being caught reading a book with a giant 007 on it in public would be a bit embarrassing.

I don't really get this. I admit to being pretty snobbish about reading material but I don't give a what other people think about what/who I'm reading. Who is so insecure that they are bothered that strangers on a train, for example, may think that reading Bond books is too lowbrow?

Man, this U.S. cover has really received a drubbing. Even all the comments on my site are negative. And this isn't the normal fans arguing pro and con, I don't think I've seen a single positive reaction. Even I can't say I love this cover. I don't hate it... All I can do is try and understand what they are going for and think it might look better in person.

I think I get what they are trying to do with the cover and I don't hate it as much as some seem to, but frankly my dog has left more inspired looking piles in the garden than this US cover. Than both the covers, to be honest. I don't hate them and do prefer the UK cover to the US but am unable to get that excited about either.

I totally agree Santa. I'd have no problem reading a Bond novel in public or even being seen with the American version of Carte Blanche. Hey, I just think of it as promoting the new Bond book by Jeffery Deaver!

As for the U.S. cover art, I don't think it's as bad as most seem to be saying it is, but I will admit it is no great shakes either. (I'm also not all that excited about the U.K. version to be honest although it probably is the slightly better one.) I think zencat was right earlier when he mentioned that with big 007 numbers, the U.S. publishers are probably just trying to get attention for their new novel in the flooded American market.

And since when is the name/brand James Bond or 007 such a bad thing? (I've never thought so.) I thought with the incredible Daniel Craig and the great Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace films that Bond has never been hipper and cooler. So who wouldn't want to read the new Bond novel that is somewhat inspired by EON's reboot? Everyone should be flocking to the bookstores to pick one up--at least that's the impression I infer after reading hundreds of forum comments from Craig and Quantum fans. Although I suppose maybe everyone's nervousness/outrage over the new cover arts (particularly the U.S.'s) is just their underlying fear that the films and novels are too separate to cross over to the casual fans' interests.

Regardless, I'll get the American version as soon as I can and eagerly read and enjoy it.

P.S. For whatever reason--although it may well be because we haven't had great Bond cover art over the years and it's just worn me down, but--book cover art isn't as important to me as film poster art. Now on that score, I have a major gripe about the recent posters....

[David Schofield]

To all those happy to read Bond anywhere, regardless - Santa, terminus, Brycey - like myself

Fo those who aren't and would appear embarrassed about their interest in Bond and Ian Fleming, perhaps you should move on from Bond and get a more intellectual, socially acceptable author to follow.

[Jackanaples]

I'm not thrilled with the US cover, but I look forward to seeing it the store. I worked in bookstores for years. The cover design gets across the important information: It's a JAMES BOND novel. I'll bet you'll be able to see that '007' from across the room. Also, it's black and red, really strong colors for the mystery/thriller genre.

I do think the UK cover is classier, but not sure if I'll spring for it or not. The US edition comes out the week of my birthday, so I'm thinking of taking the day off and treating myself.

In general I think that UK cover design has it all over the US. You can really see the difference in the fantasy and science fiction genres. However, my favorite James Bond covers of all time have to be the American paperbacks put out by Signet in the 1960s. I went out a few years ago and bought all the new trade paperbacks... only to realize that I vastly prefer the simplicity and elegance of the Signets.

Oh, and of course I'd read a Bond novel in public. I'm generally far better read than anyone that would dare to criticize my taste in literature, so their opinion is never going to count for much. Life is just too short, you know?

[Dustin]

I totally agree Santa. I'd have no problem reading a Bond novel in public or even being seen with the American version of Carte Blanche. Hey, I just think of it as promoting the new Bond book by Jeffery Deaver!

I think that's perhaps just what the American cover is aimed at, to be a mobile billboard for the book, advertising it right across the landscape, the maximum impact of the cover adjusted to 300 yards. If everybody on the beach can read that 007 and remembers a hundred people browsing in the book when he sees the cover at the supermarket, then that's just what they want.

[Nicolas Suszczyk]

All this over bloody cover art?

As to reading in public...

I don't give a damn what anyone else thinks. Never have. Never will.

I always take along one of my battered and beloved Signet paperbacks with me when I travel. I've had more people strike up conversations with me because of the fact that I'm reading a fifty year old novel as a man in his 40's traveling in a style of a different era.

I dress suit and tie for either dinner out or taking a journey. Hey, most days of the week I'm a jeans and pullover sort of guy. If I'm getting on a plane or train though, I dress for it. That's the way I was raised.

Want to mock me? Go ahead. Could care less.

Want to have a truly good chat? Great. Love it and don't feel I have to prove myself.

I'm planning to read CB on the flight home and not before then. Outside of a cold Vesper on Virgin Atlantic, what better way to wrap up an adventure abroad?

I'm with you Bryce!

[sharpshooter]

I’m not ashamed to be a Bond fan, but I’d much rather read at home. Or some other isolated place, in silence with no distractions. I couldn’t get into the zone reading on a full capacity train, for example. I wouldn’t be enjoying it as much as I should be. I wouldn’t treat it like a race, like some Harry Potter fans did. Rush reading whenever and wherever to discover how it ends. The book is an experience. It deserves more of my respect, and if I have to wait, I will. Once you’ve read a page for the first time, that’s it. You can't unread it. I’m a reader that has to fully soak in a page, understand it completely, before contently moving on.

[Matt_13]

To all those happy to read Bond anywhere, regardless - Santa, terminus, Brycey - like myself

Fo those who aren't and would appear embarrassed about their interest in Bond and Ian Fleming, perhaps you should move on from Bond and get a more intellectual, socially acceptable author to follow.

All of these digs for a personal preference. Got to love forums. That said, not changing my stance.

It's kind of silly. Because of my personal stance I'm either self conscious, pretentious, or a combination of both. All over a book cover! It's where my comfort level lies, I'm not apologizing for it. The last thing I'm going to mention on this issue is that no matter what anyone says, I seriously think that US cover is ridiculous looking, even if it is necessary. It is because I am a fan that I'd even consider buying a different book from overseas just for a different cover. Shouldn't that be far more embarrassing?

[David Schofield]

To all those happy to read Bond anywhere, regardless - Santa, terminus, Brycey - like myself

Fo those who aren't and would appear embarrassed about their interest in Bond and Ian Fleming, perhaps you should move on from Bond and get a more intellectual, socially acceptable author to follow.

All of these digs for a personal preference. Got to love forums. That said, not changing my stance.

It's kind of silly. Because of my personal stance I'm either self conscious, pretentious, or a combination of both. All over a book cover! It's where my comfort level lies, I'm not apologizing for it. The last thing I'm going to mention on this issue is that no matter what anyone says, I seriously think that US cover is ridiculous looking, even if it is necessary. It is because I am a fan that I'd even consider buying a different book from overseas just for a different cover. Shouldn't that be far more embarrassing?

Nothing remotely embarrassing about buying a foreigh edition as opposed to one's domestic own because of the cover: I bought the US DEVIL MAY CARE with its Lazenby-esque cover as I didn't at all like what they'd achieved with the UK version, and it is that US edition which sits among my otherwise UK Firsts collection.

No need to be self conscious about Fleming. He's a damn fine writer, and all Bond stuff goes back to Fleming, whoever happens to be the author.

Just think "screw 'em".

[zencat]

To all those happy to read Bond anywhere, regardless - Santa, terminus, Brycey - like myself

Fo those who aren't and would appear embarrassed about their interest in Bond and Ian Fleming, perhaps you should move on from Bond and get a more intellectual, socially acceptable author to follow.

Okay. Off to the coffee shop with this then...

[Matt_13]

Fleming, quite frankly, is the only author who is capable of consistently holding my attention, thanks largely to his depth of detail and the overall relaxed tone of his prose. I can't think of any other author (outside of Higson) who has engaged me on the same level as Fleming. Maybe Khaled Hosseini who wrote the wonderful "A Thousand Splendid Suns." I even find Ludlum to be tedious. "The Bourne Identity" is a pretty decent read, but man is it exhausting, and the payoff isn't even all that great. Fleming is a master craftsman and tell everyone just the same. That said, reading a book with a big 007 on it on the metro would have me feeling a little...yeah fine, dorky. Whether or not it is is a separate issue entirely, but it is how I would feel. Then again, I'll be reading a book purchased from overseas just for the different cover. Not sure what's worse, though I don't think either is really all that damnable. Just personal preference as a fan.

[OmarB]

I've got no problem reading whatever book wherever. Yes I've read Star Wars, Star Trek, 24, James Bond, Conan, DC comics characters novels and the list goes on. Who cares what people think? I'm reading, having a good time and I know more about the Star Wars universe than they do.

Only thing I hate is when you are reading somethign of this sort, like a James Bond novel and someone feels the need to comment to me about it. Or for some reason tell me about Bond ... movie Bond when I'm reading a book and are absolutely sure their opinion and ideas on the character holds true for me.

[Santa]

To all those happy to read Bond anywhere, regardless - Santa, terminus, Brycey - like myself

Fo those who aren't and would appear embarrassed about their interest in Bond and Ian Fleming, perhaps you should move on from Bond and get a more intellectual, socially acceptable author to follow.

All of these digs for a personal preference. Got to love forums. That said, not changing my stance.

It's kind of silly. Because of my personal stance I'm either self conscious, pretentious, or a combination of both. All over a book cover! It's where my comfort level lies, I'm not apologizing for it. The last thing I'm going to mention on this issue is that no matter what anyone says, I seriously think that US cover is ridiculous looking, even if it is necessary. It is because I am a fan that I'd even consider buying a different book from overseas just for a different cover. Shouldn't that be far more embarrassing?

No! Never be embarassed about who you are*. Even if you're a dork, wear it proudly, as I do.








* This of course does not apply to paedophiles or people who hurt animals, who should all be thoroughly ashamed and embarassed.

[Harry Fawkes]

All this over bloody cover art?

As to reading in public...

I don't give a damn what anyone else thinks. Never have. Never will.

I always take along one of my battered and beloved Signet paperbacks with me when I travel. I've had more people strike up conversations with me because of the fact that I'm reading a fifty year old novel as a man in his 40's traveling in a style of a different era.

I dress suit and tie for either dinner out or taking a journey. Hey, most days of the week I'm a jeans and pullover sort of guy. If I'm getting on a plane or train though, I dress for it. That's the way I was raised.

Want to mock me? Go ahead. Could care less.

Want to have a truly good chat? Great. Love it and don't feel I have to prove myself.

I'm planning to read CB on the flight home and not before then. Outside of a cold Vesper on Virgin Atlantic, what better way to wrap up an adventure abroad?

Well bloody said Bryce! Thanks mate from all of us.

Harry Fawkes

[Professor Dent]

I dress suit and tie for either dinner out or taking a journey. Hey, most days of the week I'm a jeans and pullover sort of guy. If I'm getting on a plane or train though, I dress for it. That's the way I was raised.

Dressing-up for travel - classic.

[zencat]

This has been a great week.

[Nicolas Suszczyk]

I dress suit and tie for either dinner out or taking a journey. Hey, most days of the week I'm a jeans and pullover sort of guy. If I'm getting on a plane or train though, I dress for it. That's the way I was raised.

Dressing-up for travel - classic.

I'd do that either, but even my mom would tell me "You're insane! You're not going suited just for traveling"

[Iroquois]

Absolutely love the title, UK cover art is slick and simplistic. Altogether very Fleming. Very pleased so far.

[Captain Tightpants]

Okay. Off to the coffee shop with this then...

I don't usually take reputation away from people. Not unless they say something blithely stupid. But you posted a picture of Snooki!

[Safari Suit]

"Dat's the joke"

[zencat]

Okay. Off to the coffee shop with this then...

I don't usually take reputation away from people. Not unless they say something blithely stupid. But you posted a picture of Snooki!

Ah, man, it was a joke! And a pretty funny one, I thought.

My beautiful reputation ranking besmirched. Damn you, Snooki!!!

[Arbogast777]

I wonder at what point people started feeling embarrassed about reading a Bond novel in public. I mean James Bond is *kind of* popular, you know! And wasn't it President Kennedy reading "From Russia With Love" that got the ball rolling in the U.S.? When did all this change!?

[Righty007]

Okay. Off to the coffee shop with this then...

I don't usually take reputation away from people. Not unless they say something blithely stupid. But you posted a picture of Snooki!

Luckily, zencat's +109 reputation still beats yours by +82.