Original Fleming novels reissued in UK

The 14 original James Bond novels by Ian Fleming have be re-released in the UK by Penguin Books. These new editions feature the "retro" cover art by Richie Fahey used on the popular 2002 U.S. editions and include new introductions by notable authors.

The books can be purchased on Amazon.co.uk.

New Bond-Moneypenny short story in Tatler

Here's a treat for Bond literary fans! The November issue of Tatler magazine, on stands now, features an original James Bond/Miss Moneypenny short story by Moneypenny Diaries author Samantha Weinberg (aka Kate Westbrook).

Titled "For Your Eyes Only, James" the fully illustrated story runs approximately 3,000 words and describes a weekend Bond and Moneypenny spend in Royale-les-Eaux in 1956 (setting of Ian Fleming's first James Bond novel, Casino Royale). Author Weinberg says she hopes the story is "fun in a rather risque manner."

This is the first James Bond short story since Raymond Benson's "Live At Five" appeared in TV Guide in the 1999.

Puffin responds to criticism of YOUNG BOND 3 poll

UK newspaper The Observer has published in its “Browser” column a rather stuffy criticism of Puffin’s Young Bond 3 title poll, calling it a “shameful failure of imagination.” Now Puffin has responded.

Dear Sir,

The Browser somewhat missed the point of our nationwide vote to decide the title of Charlie Higson's third Young Bond book (visit www.youngbond.com for details). This is an initiative designed to encourage young fans to interact very directly with their favourite book brand in ways that they are wholly accustomed to doing with brands outside the book world - text voting, e-flyers and on-line polls are very much part of our readers' lives, and a natural way for them to express their opinions, share ideas with friends and be active members of a community linked by shared interests. It also gives us as publishers of books for children a real opportunity to listen to their opinions.

I am sorry that we are a source of despair to the Browser! While he is perhaps not part of our target market, he does correctly highlight the fact that those of us following in the footsteps of Ian Fleming have a lot to live up to. Charlie Higson's brilliant Young Bond books are a very fresh perspective on the Bond we all know from the adult novels and films. Fleming's titles are absolutely iconic, and we'd love as many people as possible to be involved in making sure that the title for the next Young Bond novel is the right one. If the Browser really wants to be part of the decision, he could always vote.

Rebecca McNally
Publisher, Fiction and Non-Fiction

YOU decide the title of YOUNG BOND 3

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE: In an unprecedented nationwide ballot, Britain is to decide the title of the third book in the super-selling Young Bond series, written by Charlie Higson and due to be published by Puffin Books on 4th January 2007.

Voting for the nation’s preferred title starts today, Tuesday 3rd October, at 9am and closes at midnight on the 3rd November. To cast your vote, and become part of James Bond history, visit www.youngbond.com. There are three possible titles, chosen by the author, Charlie Higson:

Double or Die

N.E.M.E.S.I.S.

The Deadlock Cipher

To help you decide, there is an exclusive extract from Young Bond 3 on the Young Bond website and a note from Charlie Higson about the three titles he has picked.

The title will be kept a closely guarded secret until publication and revealed at an as yet undisclosed, central London location on the 3rd January 2007.

The Young Bond series follows the daredevil adventures of James Bond as an Eton school boy in the 1930s. The third instalment in a planned series of five titles, written by Charlie Higson, sees the young James Bond pitted against the dangerous criminal underworld of interwar London, a world of illegal gambling dens, Cambridge spies and East End gangs. Here you’ll read about the experiences which turned the boy into the steely and ruthless secret agent that Bond becomes as an adult.

The first books in the Young Bond series, SilverFin (published in March 2005) and Blood Fever (published in January 2006) enjoyed tremendous success. SilverFin sold over 190,000 copies and spent ten weeks in the top-ten and Blood Fever went straight to number one in the bestsellers chart.

All voters have a chance to win one of a limited number of tickets to the central London event and discover, before anyone else, the title of Young Bond 3.

You can also cast your vote by text:

For Double or Die text DOUBLE to 60022
For N.E.M.E.S.I.S. text ENEMY to 60022
For The Deadlock Cipher text LOCK to 60022

Texts cost your normal rate. For full terms and conditions see www.youngbond.com.