CASINO ROYALE published 58 years ago today

It was 58 years ago today on April 13, 1953, that British publisher Jonathan Cape released Ian Fleming’s first novel, Casino Royale, which introduced the world to secret agent James Bond 007. Happy birthday, James.

Casino Royale first edition from my own collection

First look at the By Royal Command U.S. paperback

Here’s a first look at the U.S. paperback edition of Charlie Higson’s By Royal Command, due for release on May 10, 2011.

No extras or surprises inside, just another good quality paperback from Disney Books that fits in nicely with their other releases. Cover art is the same artwork by Owen Richardson that was used on the hardcover last year, but with a quote from The New York Times Book Review added below Charlie’s name.

The By Royal Command U.S. paperback can be pre-ordered now at Amazon.com.

New CARTE BLANCHE cover art?

Lately this image of new Carte Blanche cover art has been appearing online. First it showed up at the end of the book trailer, now it has appeared on Jeffery Deaver's official website. The new art has the same smoke motif, but it features red type face, the 007 logo, and says "The New James Bond Novel" instead of "A James Bond Novel."

New artwork (left) and the artwork revealed in January (right)

I'm trying to confirm whether this is, indeed, new art for the UK edition. Stand by.

UPDATE: While I haven't yet been able to get official confirmation from any of the powers-that-be, both Amazon and the Hodder websites have swapped out the grey cover for this new red one, so it's starting to look pretty good that this is the new cover.

UPDATE 2: Confirmed! Carte Blanche has a new cover

First Jeffery Deaver CARTE BLANCHE book tour details

Jeffery Deaver has posted on his official website the first details of his upcoming Carte Blanche book tour.

Thursday 26 May: London
To mark the night of publication of Carte Blanche, Jeffery Deaver will be giving his first public talk at a central London location. Full details will be released shortly so watch this space

Friday 27 May: Oxfordshire
Wonderful Abingdon-based independent bookshop Mostly Books will host a unique event with Jeffery at the very futuristic Diamond Light Source, the UK's national synchrotron science facility on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.
Time: 7:30pm.
Location: Diamond Light Source, Diamond House, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire

Saturday 28 May: Hay-on-Wye, Wales
Jeffery will be in conversation with Stephanie Merritt at the Sky Arts Studio at the Hay Festival, discussing the new novel, his relationship with Ian Fleming and his iconic hero.
Time: 2:30pm.
Location: in the Brecon Beacons National Park

June 15-24, 2011, USA Tour for Carte Blanche
Details to come.

July 13-22, 2011, Australia and New Zealand Tour for Carte Blanche
Details to come.

September 2011, Italy Tour
Details to come.

Hatchards offering CARTE BLANCHE limited edition

Hatchards Books in London is offering a Limited Signed & Boxed Version of Jeffery Deaver's upcoming James Bond novel, Carte Blanche. The book can be pre-ordered now on the Hatchards website or by calling 020 7439 9921 and asking to speak to their Hardback Fiction Department. The book is limited to 750 copies and costs £100.

www.hatchards.co.uk

Thanks to Nick for the alert.