Ian Fleming – Diamonds Are Forever – First UK Edition

First edition, first printing of Diamonds are Forever by Ian Fleming, published by Jonathan Cape, London in 1956. A near fine/fine copy in publisher’s original black cloth, with spine lettered in silver with diamond shapes embossed to front board and diamond stamped in silver to front board. Publisher’s original first issue dust wrapper priced at ’12s 6d net’, with front blurb ending ‘more hazardous than Moonraker? Yes’. Light wear to the top edge of rear panel, and a couple of tiny nicks to top of spine, with small tape repair internally to spine top.

Diamonds Are Forever, written by Ian Fleming, is the fourth novel in the James Bond series. Published in 1956, it had a significant impact on popular culture and the spy thriller genre. The novel introduced the iconic character, Tiffany Case, and explored themes of diamond smuggling and international espionage, setting the stage for many Bond films to come. Moreover, it continued to establish James Bond as a global literary and cinematic icon, filmed in 1971, shaping the image of the suave, sophisticated and action-oriented secret agent. The book’s enduring popularity contributed to the long-lasting success of the Bond franchise in both literature and film.