Now were did they get this idea?

I had the pleasure today of visiting a pre screening of TRUMBO today.

The film premiered in October last year in the US and in February this year in the UK.

The film is about Dalton Trumbo, a famous screenwriter in Hollywood who got into reel trouble for being a communist during the 1940.
I dont want to give you more info on the film because that might ruin the screening for you. But if you like me love film making a little bit more then others, then this is the film for you.

But this blog post is not about the film itself. It is about the marketing campaign that A+P put together for US distribution company Bleecker Street Media. Because when I first saw the marketing campaign and its two different movie posters I could only think of one man. Ian Fleming! For you who, just like me have enjoyed pictures of Ian Fleming for many years must feel the same? I see it as a nice homage.

A+P just must have looked at pictures of Ian Fleming when they decided what route to take with the ad capaign.

Look below and be the judge yourself.

Note that the white tux poster for SPECTRE came out in Sep 2015 and the white tux poster for TRUMBO came out in October. Coincidence? If you had looked at Ian Fleming and copied his style you could do it once again with James Bond as well...

From Norway comes a new book with love for all things 007

During the fall Norway was grazed with a James Bond book called "The great big book about James Bond". It is an unofficial compilation by Morten Cruys Magnus Sagen and Morten Andreas Steingrimsen.
The book is big and has 360 pages. It is not common for smaller countries like Norway to have this kind of books written in their native tongue. But it is nice to hear that the book has been a huge success in Norway and sold really well.

On the back of this book its says The ultimate book for all James Bond fans. An let me just say that I do not speak Norwegian but this book is actually worth having for the pictures alone. This book contains some pictures I have never seen during my 25 years of collecting. See pictures below for some rare pictures.
The book also has a lot of Ian Fleming pictures and covers for the James Bond books in Norway. These books are hard to find on their own so it was nice to see these rare beauties.

The book contains a foreword by Martine Beswick who appears in both From Russia with Love and Thunderball. Then the chapters that are richly documented with pictures are as follows.

1. The Bond phenomenon.
2. Ian Fleming
3. The books about James Bond
4. From book to film
5. The name is Bond... (bios of the James Bond actors).
6. Shaken but not stirred bios on each James Bond film including SPECTRE.
7. James Bond audition (interview with Norwegian actress Synnove Macody Lund)
8. From Norway with love - Bond in Norway
9. The mistakes of the Bond films
10. The James Bond lifestyle
11. The James Bond cars
12. The Bond destinations
13. Dress like Bond
14. Pinewood Studios
15. Illustrated James Bond
16. They almost became Bond.
17. Interviews.

I need to be clear that this book is not in English but in Norwegian. But I still will enjoy this book thanks to all the great pictures and I do believe  you will do the same.

The cheapest way to order this book would be to go to the Adlibris webpage were the book cost £22. 
Or you might be able to contact Morten Andreas Steingrimsen on facebook to buy a copy direct from one of the writers.

I did some Bonding in London recently

Jon Gilbert, Peter Burt and myself holding an early print of Casino Royale

As some of you may remember I spent a few days in London, England two weeks ago and I also did a blog post of what I had planed. Below you can find a small  recollection of what I actually did.

Thursday December 3.

I decided to head out to the Admiralty as quickly as possible since I wanted to have my picture taken in Room 39 where Ian Fleming worked during the war. This was one of the things I looked most forward to but as a Swede I did not know much about the building.
So when I arrived I was very sad to notice that the entire building was shut down since it apparently had been sold by the military to the government and the education department that was moving in. I actually rang the door bell but they re decorators on the inside said that there was absolutely no way for me to get inside.
I decided not to feel bad. If the education department are moving in I hope I will have better odds for a picture when I visit London the next time. The building is magnificent and to my knowledge Room 39 is on the first floor.

For the rest of that day me and the wife spent just taking it easy. Visiting some antique book shops and also Goldsboro Books. The pricing in these shops took me by surprise. The actual shop price for old Fleming books is far higher than it is on Ebay. And on Ebay the books do not sell at a lower price. According to the shop keeper at Goldsboro books there Thunderball print they had for sale cost £300 with a facsimile dust jacket. Now I paid 300 Australian dollars for my first edition with a near fine dust jacket. Goldsboro have a Thunderball first edition for sale now and they want £1500 for it.

Later that evening I had a date with Peter Lorenz over at Illustrated 007. He had to attend a work engagement so our dinner was off but we had drinks at the very classy Gilbert Scott. On my way to the bar I snuck in a book store on Charing cross and bought IAN FLEMING - A PERSONAL MEMOIR  by Robert Harling and also BOND Vs BOND by Paul Simpson. Both were review copies and at a really good price. The second book would normally be something I would not buy since we had these books over and over again. But this one contains a lot of info on the books compared to the films with some rare photos. It looks as a good read.

Friday December 4.On the second day in London I wanted to visit Peter Harrington books that specialize on old rare books. They have two shops in London. One is located in Fulham road and the other is located at Dover Street in Mayfair. There I was helped by Rob Sandall who showed me some of the Ian Fleming books that I had never seen in person and will never have in my collection like the limited edition of ON HER MAJESTYS SECRET SERVICE.
Back in 1962 Ian Fleming and Jonathan Cape decided to print a 250 limited edition numbered and signed version of the book a few weeks prior to the actual release.

Later on that day it was time to visit the only filming location of the Daniel Craig era that has made me curious. I took the wife with me and went to Notting Hill and No. 1 Stanley Crecsent. This is the actual address that were were used for external shots of James Bonds apartment in the latest film SPERCTRE. Sadly the building was being renovated just were Bonds living room windows are. I just must mention how I love that the apartment has hardly any decorating and that it looks like Bond has just moved in. Its a nice touch for a man always away on a mission.

After the visit to James Bond apartment we took a walk down to Portobello Road Market were there actually was a lot of Fleming Books trading hands.

Later that evening me and my wife were on our way to check out the Winter wonderland in Hyde Park I passed a big door that I recognized. A second later I saw the big sign saying that this was the Eon House. The door to were all things James Bond is being discussed and negotiated. A picture had to be taken. The address is Picadilly 138.

Saturday December 5.

On Saturday it was an early wake and then of by train to Royal Tunbridge Wells. There I had made an appointment with both Jon Gilbert who is an expert on James Bond literature and also have many books for sale at the Adrian Harrington book shop.
I had also made an appointment with Peter Burt and his lovely wife Jackie Burt.
I did not buy any books in the shop but I did buy a copy of the Ian Fleming painting that looked fantastic. It will be pure joy to build a frame for it soon.

After the visit to the book shop me, my wife and the Burts went to a pizzeria to have lunch and I hope they enjoyed themself as much as I did because we sat there for many hours, not talking about James Bond, but about life itself. It was a great conversation and actually the highlight of the
trip. Who knew that I and Peter would have so much of our childhood in common. I believe it got us both thinking  about why we are collectors and why others collect as well. Can it be so that we all are very much alike?

Sunday December 6.

Not much time on Sunday to do anything. We made a quick visit to Camden market but nowadays this is highly overrated and I cant advise anybody to actually go their unless you wish to buy junk and pirate goods.

Then off to the airport and rush back home to Sweden and reality.

Below you can see some pictures from my trip.You can click on them to make them bigger.

What's hot, and what's not, in London?

On Wednesday this week me and my wife are heading for Great Britain and London for a few days of rest from the two craziest kids alive.

Since we are going to London I might as well look up some James Bond related sites that would be nice to have seen in person.

On Thursday I have a planed cocktail with my dear friend Peter Lorenz at Illustrated 007.

A book shop I need to visit is the Peter Harrington book shop that specialize in rare books.

Then I wish to go over to Notting Hill and take a quick look at Number 1 Stanly Cresent which is the address where Bonds apartment in SPECTRE was filmed.

On Saturday I have a trip to Tunbridge wells planed to meet up and have lunch with Peter Burt who runs the James Bond : COLLECTING JAMES BOND TOYS and MEMORABILIA Facebook page. After that we will go and visit the book store James Bond first editions. 

Sadly I dont believe the time will be enough to take another small journey to go to Swindon to pay respect at Ian Flemings family grave but I would love to go and visit Room 39 at the Admiralty where Ian Fleming worked during the second world war. Does anybody know if this might be possible and where it is?

I'm am not sure if I will go and see the Bond in Motion exhibition. If I have some time lift I might go there. As I said I am travelling with my wife so in all this James Bond travelling I will need to make sure that she dont get upset. Also, everybody says you can do the exhibition in 20 minutes and I have already seen many of the cars at other events.

Most of all I would like to go and visit Ian Fleming Publications. I am so curious to how they work and the people working there. Sadly they do not take any visitors but who knows what will happen in the future. I will only have to work harder on this blog to one day make them invite me.

Now I am wondering what you think I am missing out on? What is your golden treasure in London that I should not miss. Please give me suggestions on anything Bond related or other. But bare in mind that I do need time to take care of my relationship. As the saying goes. Happy wife, happy life!

Did you know this about the TRIGGER MORTIS cover?

I have a few pages to go before I have read the entire TRIGGER MORTIS novel. If you haven't already read the book I truly feel you should. Especially if you have already seen SPECTRE and cant wait for more new James Bond material. 

Since I live in Sweden I got really envious when I got a heads up from Ian Fleming Publications on their Instagram account that Finland has released TRIGGER MORTIS and with a whole new cover design. I must say that I like the cover they made but I do prefer the UK version. The UK version is much more stylish and it does not look that cheap. But to the Finns defence I know that it is not easy to be a small local publisher and afford a great cover design.
You can buy the Finnish version of TRIGGER MORTIS here!

The Finnish cover for TRIGGER MORTIS

Talking about the cover design for the UK version of TRIGGER MORTIS I found out yesterday that the cover design with the blueprints on the cover seems not to be an original idea.
When the famous book GRAVITY'S RAINBOW by Thomas Pynchon was re-released as a paperback in 1994 they had almost an identical cover design as you can see below. It's a bit sad to notice this. I do like the cover but wanted it to be original. But hey, If you see something you like, steal it.

Last but not least I have a small tip for those who have the US edition of TRIGGER MORTIS. If you look at the cover for the audiobook instead of the book itself you actually see the cover design far better. The man in a tuxedo becomes more clear for the eye to actually notice. I think the US version had looked better if the man with the tuxedo was easier to spot. See for yourself below.

Below you can order your print of TRIGGER MORTIS from amazon for as low as £9.00.

Bookshop in London plans Bond party

Special book dealer PETER HARRINGTON is having a SPECTRE party on November 3. 

Peter Harrington is famous for having many first editions and special books in their shop. I myself have never been to the shop in person but I have ordered at least one Fleming book and am planing a visit in December when I am going to London.

As you might be aware the James Bond perfume fragrance that is on sale now is from Paul Smith and this party is a collaboration between Paul Smith and the Peter Harrington bookshop. 

Following the release of highly anticipated Bond film SPECTRE, guests will be invited to browse Paul Smith menswear, alongside Fleming first editions and ephemera, all available to purchase on the night.

Complementary nibbles and martinis will be served from 6pm-8pm.

I myself cant attend this event since I live in Sweden but if you are a collector of Ian Fleming books and live nearby I suggest that you contact them and ask them if you can be on the invitation list.

Best of luck but do not buy anything I intend to buy in December. 

In an earlier blog post I recommended you all to check out the BBC Shortlist documentary on Bond that was broadcast the other day. This link did not work for people living outside of the UK. Now the same program has been uploaded to Youtube. You can check it out below. Thanks to Niclas for the heads up! 

Here you can buy SOME KIND OF HERO for just £10

Since it is Halloween here in Sweden today my blog post will be a short one.

I am always interested in money and to always make a bargain on any book that has to do with James Bond.
Earlier I have written that Amazon.co.uk has a really good price on SOME KIND OF HERO that cost only £17 when the recomended retail price is £25.

But now, just a few days after the books release, British food chain Morrison has a great deal on the 700 page book of only £10. This was reported by Andrew Gardiner who visited the shop yesterday (Thanks for the heads up).

Photo by Andrew Gardiner

So what are you waiting for? Hunt down your local Morrison food stor and buy the book because I believe you will never get a new copy for less then that.

I received a review copy of the book  earlier this week from the publishers The History Press but with two kids and a SPECTRE film opening this week I have not yet had the time to look at this brick of a book. I hope it will be a great read.

My review copy .

It's easy to make a James Bond film!

Today saw the premiere of the new James Bond film SPECTRE in Sweden. And since we celebrate Halloween this weekend in Sweden we only had to work half day so I could take Mrs Bäckman to Stockholms biggest cinema screen to attend the premiere of SPECTRE.

Now this blog is aiming to be as spoiler free as possible and I know that countries like France and the USA have not yet had its premiere so there will be no spoilers here. I decided early on to not see more then the teaser trailer for SPECTRE and read no articles. That worked out fine and I believe that made me enjoy the film more when all the surprise were still there. But I wonder how many of the fans noticed that for SPECTRE Daniel Craig was a co-producer and I feel certain that this was a classic Hollywood way to make him come back to play James Bond by not giving him a to high salary. But instead, to give him two salaries, one as an actor and one as a producer with a % of box office as well. This is also why you will see him again in BOND 25. No actor says no to such a great offer. 

But to upset a few I will have to put my chin out and say that it is truly easy to make a James Bond film. All you have to do is to follow the one true formula that Producer Albert R Broccoli talks about in his biography WHEN THE SNOW MELTS. In this book he explains the success of the franchise in one sentence: "Make sure that every penny is up there on the screen" and that is exactly how SPECTRE has been made. It may also help to shift actors according to were they are born so that they can promote the film in their native countries. And for the bigger part of the film use actors from countries with allot of inhabitants like France, Germany, Italy and others. Just like the continuation novels have a tendency to always start in London and during the mission always visit the US in some way to please the US publisher and readers.   

When the Snow melts - Cubby Broccoli

Now if you have already seen SPECTRE or have not I do hope you have not missed the BBC James Bond special program on TIMESHIFT called LOOKING FOR MR. BOND: 007 AT THE BBC. This is a 60 minute documentary with only material from the BBC archive. Since I live in Sweden I must say that the bigger part of this documentary was material I had never seen. Its a truly MUST SEE if you are a fan of the James Bond films. Click here to get to the program.

I have recived 8 pagages with James Bond related books this week. I will try and share them with you as quickly as possible.  

You can find used copies of Cubby Broccolis book WHEN THE SNOW MELTS by clicking here.

Did you notice this in SPECTRE?

The day after the Royal gala premiere of the new James Bond film SPECTRE took place this Monday, IAN FLEMING PUBLICATIONS had their special screening of the film for family, friends and specially invited. Amongst the invited was Young Bond author Charlie Higson, Andrew Lycett (author of the Ian Fleming biography) and Kate Millis, fiction editor at Orion publishing who publishes the James Bond novels. 

When reading there Twitter feed they all seemed to enjoy the film allot. I myself will have to wait until tomorrow at 14:15 (here in Stockholm Sweden) to see SPECTRE. Since hardly anyone has not liked it my expectations gets higher by the hour. I have not even seen a trailer for the film yet, kept my self totally in the dark not reading any interviews and so on.

IAN FLEMING PUBLICATIONS has posted a blog post on there website this Monday saying that there will be a scene in SPECTRE that has its origin from the COLONEL SUN book written by Kingsley Amis under the name Robert Markham in 1968. 

My COLONEL SUN Australian book club edition.

The Colonel Sun scene which features in SPECTRE is one of pivotal importance both to the film and the book and fans are encouraged to identify which part stems from Amis’ pen.
Corinne Turner, Managing Director of Ian Fleming Publications Ltd. commented that ‘The Fleming family and The Kingsley Amis Estate hope that fans of SPECTRE will be encouraged to reach for this thrilling book by one of the finest writers of the 20thcentury.’

Also out this week is another BBC Radio program about James Bond / Ian Fleming and Scotland. It is hosted by Robbie Coltrane who appeared in the 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye.
The radio program is called is called JAMES BOND: LICENCE TO KILT and can be found by clicking here. The show is 28 minutes long. Enjoy!

If you wish to buy your copy of COLONEL SUN and sponsor the blog at the same time you can do so by order your book on Amazon UK below.

Blood, Sweat and Bond: Behind the Scenes of SPECTRE

On October 27, 2015 DK publishing releases the new book: Blood,
Sweat and Bond:Behind the Scenes of SPECTRE. The hardcover book
contain 200 pages.
According to publishers own sales text, the book will also
contain interviews and behind the scenes stories from the making
of the new Bond film SPECTRE.
In the run-up to the latest James Bond film, Spectre, renowned
photographer Rankin takes us from script to screen in Blood,
Sweat and Bond: Behind the Scenes of Spectre,curating an ensemble
of exclusive photography and cast and crew interviews. Also
features contributions from celebrity photographers including
Mary McCartney, Graciela Iturbide, Anderson & Low and Brigitte
Lacombe.
This is the first published book to preview the latest Bond film's
cast, crew and locations. Directed by Academy Award-winner Sam
Mendes, Spectre features the return of Daniel Craig as legendary
British secret agent James Bond.

You can buy the book on AMAZON UK for only £17.