Live And Let Die – An Early Reprint

Author: Ian Fleming
Price: £525
Publisher: Jonathan Cape, London, UK
Edition: First edition, 7th Impression
Publication Date: 1960
Format: Original cloth gilt. Dustwrapper
Condition: Near fine in very good dustwrapper
Pages: 240

Description:
The second title in the series. Binding square and firm. Text block slightly spotted. Spine and front board gilt very bright. Cloth very clean. A very near fine, tight, clean copy in very good indeed, original, slightly nicked, spotted and rubbed dustwrapper which has only the smallest amount of fading to the spine and retains its original price of 15s net. All early editions of this title are scarce and this is a very nice copy indeed.

Live And Let Die: A Short Description

Live and Let Die is the second novel in Ian Fleming’s James Bond series, published in 1954. The book solidified James Bond’s growing popularity and continued to establish many of the elements that would define the series.

Plot Overview:

The story begins with British secret agent James Bond being assigned to investigate Mr. Big (real name: Buonaparte Ignace Gallia), an underworld crime lord and Soviet operative based in Harlem, New York. Mr. Big is suspected of smuggling pirate treasure to finance Soviet operations. Bond’s mission takes him to New York, Florida, and Jamaica, where he encounters voodoo practices and deadly criminal enterprises.

Mr. Big is depicted as a ruthless and powerful villain, who commands absolute loyalty through a mixture of fear, wealth, and belief in his status as a voodoo leader. He uses the legend of the pirate treasure and the fear of voodoo spirits to maintain his control over his criminal empire.

Bond is assisted by Felix Leiter, a CIA agent and close ally, who becomes a recurring character throughout the series. Leiter helps Bond navigate the American crime underworld and provides critical backup during the mission.

Another central character is Solitaire, Mr. Big’s mistress, who has psychic abilities and can sense lies. She eventually betrays Mr. Big and helps Bond, becoming the novel’s “Bond girl.”

Key Locations:

1. Harlem, New York: Bond’s investigation starts here as he explores Mr. Big’s criminal empire.
2. St. Petersburg, Florida: Bond and Leiter follow clues that lead them to Mr. Big’s operations in Florida.
3. Jamaica: The climax of the novel takes place in Jamaica, where Bond confronts Mr. Big in a deadly showdown.

Themes:

• Race and Colonialism: The novel reflects the racial attitudes of its time, and while it is an important part of Bond’s early adventures, modern readers may find Fleming’s depiction of Black characters problematic due to the stereotypes and language used.
• Espionage and Criminal Networks: Fleming continues his exploration of Cold War tensions by linking Mr. Big’s activities to the Soviet Union. The blend of espionage and crime gives the book its unique mix of action and intrigue.
• Voodoo and Superstition: The use of voodoo as a tool of fear and control plays a significant role in the novel. Mr. Big leverages these beliefs to manipulate his followers and create a menacing atmosphere for Bond.

Major Events:

1. Felix Leiter’s Mutilation: One of the most shocking moments in the novel occurs when Felix Leiter is attacked by a shark. He survives but is left maimed, marking a pivotal moment in both the novel and the Bond-Leiter friendship.
2. The Train Chase: One of the book’s most exciting action sequences involves a chase on a train as Bond attempts to elude Mr. Big’s assassins.
3. The Underwater Showdown: The novel’s climax sees Bond confronting Mr. Big in an underwater battle, a thrilling conclusion set against the exotic backdrop of Jamaica.

Adaptations:

• Film (1973): Live and Let Die was adapted into a film in 1973, starring Roger Moore as James Bond. The movie took several liberties with the plot, emphasising the action and the presence of voodoo. The film is notable for introducing Moore as the new Bond and for its memorable theme song by Paul McCartney and Wings.
• Differences from the Novel: The film adaptation made significant changes, including modernising the plot to fit the early 1970s and adapting the portrayal of Mr. Big and the use of voodoo. The film also introduces more humour and a lighter tone compared to the novel.

Legacy:

Live and Let Die is known for its gripping action, its exploration of new locations, and its development of Bond’s character and relationships, particularly with Felix Leiter. Despite some dated elements, the novel remains a classic entry in the Bond series, showcasing Fleming’s knack for combining real-world detail with imaginative, larger-than-life villains and thrilling plots.

Ian Fleming: A Short Biography:

Why buy from us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our book collection is meticulously curated to ensure that each edition is a valuable and authentic piece of bibliographical history. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every book is researched, collated, and verified for authenticity.
• Expert Curation: Each book is selected with a keen eye for significance, condition, and rarity, ensuring a collection that is both diverse and distinguished.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions and provenance to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, books may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and books must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:
Visit Hornseys to explore our fine collection of rare and signed books. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a special gift, our selection offers something truly unique. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for book lovers, art enthusiasts, and collectors since 1976.