This Autumn, the 24th James Bond film is due to be released and whenever a new James Bond film comes out, Peter Harington – the UK’s largest rare book seller and one of the leading rare book sellers in the world – notice a massive increase in interest and demand for Ian Fleming’s books and items (such as original posters) related to James Bond. But what happens when a really rare, incredibly sought after, but therefore very expensive, first edition comes onto the market? How do you ensure you’ve got the money to buy the book – without selling any of your existing collection? Peer-to-peer lender Unbolted offer market-beating rates on their loans, meaning you can take out money against a rare edition you already own to free up some cash to expand your collection. As the whole process is simple, honest and hassle-free, now you really can live happily ever after!
Why are people interested in collecting Ian Fleming’s books?
Ian Fleming’s books are some of the most popular spy thrillers ever written, and they are as popular today as they were when they were first published in the 1950s and 1960s. Most also have beautifully designed, distinctive and interesting dust jackets, and there are still affordable first editions of most of the books, which make them an accessible starting point for those interested in collecting rare modern literature. They also make exceptional presents for people of all ages.
What should you look for when buying an Ian Fleming book?
Ian Fleming wrote 14 James Bond books, all of which were published by Jonathan Cape in London between 1953 and 1966, and there are just two simple rules to identifying a Fleming first edition:
It should say Jonathan Cape on the title page;
It should say “first published…” with the correct year (and no other) on the back of the title page.
To be truly collectable, it should also be in its original dust jacket and it should be in a good condition.
Are some books more special than others?
When The Man with the Golden Gun was first published, a very small number of copies were actually decorated with a golden gun on the front of the book. Unfortunately, this was quickly abandoned for economic reasons so books with a golden gun on them are rare and therefore more valuable. Ian Fleming also signed a limited edition of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service books which are also rare and more valuable. Scarcity often plays a role in determining the books’ value. For instance, very few copies of the first three books – Casino Royale, Live & Let Die and Moonraker – were published, making them more valuable. The price of the books also depends on their condition. Perfect copies cost tens of thousands of pounds whilst nice ones are available from only a few hundred pounds.
How have prices faired?
Ian Fleming’s books have been consistently strong sellers over the last 50 years but have become even more in demand when block buster films have been released. For example, Casino Royale became much more popular following the release of the 2006 Daniel Craig Bond film.
What about the later James Bond books?
After Ian Fleming’s death in 1964, other authors were hired to continue the Bond novels, including Kingsley Amis, John Gardner, Sebastian Faulks and William Boyd. Their Bond books are also becoming collectable.
