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But you're right that Vintage should include these so-called substantial letters that feature Fleming agreeing to the edits that they say he did. To not share them is most curious. Like writing an argumentative article without citing a source.
Their explanation, which I assume is only read after a consumer has bought the book, is to disguise a censorship decision that fits with their own sensibilities.
PussyNoMore finds this practice despicable and misleading. This book should have censored stamped right across the front of it and people who have bought it in the belief that it is the real deal should be given their money back.
I only have the first two, and as I've said, they're quite lovely copies.
Regarding the 'censorship', I've got about eight copies of this novel, and this is the only one that's cut, (or, 'the American version', if you prefer). So I'm not upset about it, particularly as they've explained themselves at the start, giving the reader chance to seek out the complete versions for themselves. I do think they've taken the easy route though, and until I see Fleming's letters, I suspect they're covering their asses with the 'he would approve' statement.
Has anyone got the Goldfinger Vintage hardback yet? I'd like to know if the lines about the Koreans is still in there.
Not all of them have been printed before, but don't expect very much. They are interesting anyway for us, completists ;)
Chapter 11? Yes, they are: "They are the cruellest, most ruthless people..." etc.
(...and mods, before you send me a message calling me racist again, I'm joking!)
Very good! If you've got 8 copies of LALD anyway, sure,it's not the worst thing to bolster the collection with what do seem to be nicely produced new hardcovers.
Personally I won't touch them, simply because I have no interest whatsoever in owning any censored editions of the books, but this discussion has been helpful.
I think we all have a better understanding of how the original American editions came to be.
Our collective Bond IQ has been elevated accordingly.
www.ianfleming.com/merry-christmas-ian-fleming-publications
Just read the year-end roundup note, linked above. Worth reading. That's a very nice summary of the years events, and what's in store for next year.
I did very much enjoy this years new book, Red Nemesis.
The new Horowitz novel and the CR graphic novel, give much to look forward to, among other Bond items for next year.
That's one of the best year-end Christmas tributes I've read anywhere.
IFP is in good hands I dare say!
Love that graphic above.
So sad about Vesper though. That does seem to be a very authentic likeness.
I know I keep saying this, but I am SO excited about this one. Don't let me down, Mr H.
And yes, there are steady hands at the helm over in Fleming HQ. Long may that last.
PussyNoMore is confident that we are in safe hands Agent_99
Horowitz is a real talent and unlike some of the literati that proceeded him, he has his ego under control.
He is content to take Fleming's Bond and concentrate on writing a damn fine story.
IFP undoubtably responded to fan pressure when they commissioned him and what a smart move that turned out to be.
PussyNoMore can't wait to get his hands on it.
Have a great Christmas everybody !
You're not a fan of Trigger Mortis?
Not to say that there aren't writers out there who are great, but the golden days are passed and that has everything to do with the more illiterate, acronym filled age of texting and hash tagging we're currently in. There's many who wouldn't know good writing if the tome smacked them in the forehead as they gazed at their phone screens.
Yeah, I was going to say this. I’m confident that at least some of these modern writers could write novels with elegant, beautifully flowing prose but they’re required to write in such a way that an idiot would understand it due to the modern readers requirements. You can say the same thing for contemporary films in general, in that many of them are too fast paced these days coupled with dialogue that lacks any real intelligence.
Yes, Fleming had a real knack for detail where he could almost make you believe that you are with Bond in his wheels, cruising down a Jamaican road lined with hibiscus but even his writing didn’t flow quite as well as it could have had in occasional parts.
I think Horowitz has a decent style for the modern reader of a Bond book.
I certainly do wish though that society hadn’t changed since the “golden days”
When I was writing in college certain kids and I would get similar comments, to choose different language and things like that in what we were crafting, which is pretty insulting to those who are meant to read it. I have more faith in people than to dumb down language to fit their level, as that gets you nowhere. I got into reading by picking books above my level that challenged me and also grew my vocabulary, and I think that's how kids should still be learning. We get nowhere when writers are forced to limit their vision or word choice in their books. In many ways, books are the best language teachers you could ask for, if you've got the right books.
The answer to this has to be yes and no. PussyNoMore doubts that anybody tells Le Carre to dumb down his prose and if they did, they'd be out the door before they could say 'mine's a large one'.
On the other hand, if Wilbur Smith or James Patterson's ghost writers arrived with anything truly literate they'd be sent out for psychiatric help.
There are excellent writers out there; Philip Kerr, John Lawton or Alan Furst to name but three. That said, don't expect to find them in a huge heap at your local Borders or Waterstones. Albeit they all sell well.
Yes, that’s a very good point regarding Le Carre. He’s been in it for the long haul. It’s great that they have no say in what a talented non newbie/old dog can and can’t do! :)
I’m happy with what Horowitz is doing with Bond. He’s the right man for the job.
Same here, only that I'm not reading the books in order. Just got his new book for christmas!
Like Fleming, Le Carre is a true original and has given so much to English literature.