Book Description
In the first of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels, 007 declares war on Le Chiffre, French communist and paymaster of the Soviet murder organization SMERSH.
The battle begins with a fifty-million-franc game of baccarat, gains momentum during Bond's fiery love affair with a sensuous lady spy, and reaches a chilling climax with fiendish torture at the hands of a master sadist. For incredible suspense, unexpected thrills, and extraordinary danger, nothing can beat James Bond in his inaugural adventure.
Customer Reviews:
Introducing Bond...James Bond.......2007-08-12
In the world of spy fiction, no name is greater than James Bond. This is primarily due to the long-running series of movies, but before the films, there were Ian Fleming's books. The first novel to feature Bond was 1953's Casino Royale (which also happens to be the most recent movie).
In this debut novel, Bond is a new "Double-O" agent assigned to ruin a Russian agent named Le Chiffre. Le Chiffre has been living beyond his means while maintaining his cover; if his bosses find out, they will send SMERSH after him, a special unit dedicated to assassination of both foreign spies and Russian ones who've defected or fouled up. To recover his money, Le Chiffre has gone gambling, particularly playing baccarat. Bond, who is the British Secret Service's best gambler, is assigned to win Le Chiffre's money.
Although baccarat is not a well-known game compared to poker or blackjack, Fleming carefully describes the rules so the reader can follow the action. Le Chiffre's role is that of the banker; in exchange for risking a large amount of money, he gets the house's small advantage. Le Chiffre also doesn't play quite fair, and is perfectly willing to use violence to achieve his ends.
While some Bond movies are utterly dissimilar to the books that share their titles, the Daniel Craig version follows the novel rather well. There are definite differences (the movie, for example, uses poker instead of baccarat, and there isn't quite as much action), but the plot is mostly the same. (There have actually been two previous versions of this story (one movie and one TV show), but I am not familiar enough with either one to compare it to the book.)
At the center of it, of course is Bond, who, at least in this early novel, is more human than superhuman and with his distinct flaws, particularly his cavalier attitude towards women. This is not great literature, but that isn't Fleming's intent: instead, it is an entertaining suspense novel, particularly geared towards adult men. And in this, Fleming succeeds well. Compared to more recent suspense fiction, this is pretty lightweight (and barely 200 pages), but it is well-worth reading if you're a fan of the genre or the Bond movies.
Super Reader.......2007-08-04
James Bond is a secret agent who is happily able to blend in and get by in the high stakes gambling world. This is his job here, to take down a baccarat operation that is moving funds to SMERSH.
Along the way he has to deal with a beautiful double agent, and a spot of nasty torture.
After his experiences, he thinks about giving the game away, but eventually decides to come back, after his recovery.
A surprisingly poor start.......2007-08-02
'Casino Royale' was the first James Bond novel published- and I am a little surprised that Bondmania ever took off, since this is not a great book.
The plot is that a soviet agent 'Le Chiffre' has lost some union money, and is gambling to try and win it back before anyone finds out. It is too late though. British Intellegence has discovered this and in an attempt to cause a scandal has sent James Bond to defeat 'Le Chiffre' at Baccarat at the French resort of Casino Royale.
Unfortunately the Baccarat scenes are not at all exciting, and Bond himself is not a very inspiring hero. He is mean, arrogant and ultimately incompetent. He arrogantly goes out with Vesper to a club after beating 'Le Chiffre' instead of heading back to London. He then naively gets captured and tortured by 'Le Chiffre' and only escapes when 'Le Chiffre' is assasinated by an agent from SMERSH. And through it all he gets played by Vesper.
After Bond escapes 'Le Chiffre' the book meanders on for another few chapters, detailing Bond's relationship with Vesper- not very thrilling stuff. Fortunately better things were to come in later books.
Note as Good as the Bond Movies.......2007-07-30
This will be the only James Bond book that I read. I grew up on the movies. The book is a short, easy read. But it just does not measure up to the action packed movie.
Pleased to Meet You, Mr. Bond.......2007-07-05
It certainly says something that more than 50 years after his introduction, the name James Bond is probably the most famous name on earth. Far be it for me to argue with success like that. And it all began over a not so friendly game of baccarat against a slime bag known only as Le Chiffre in CASINO ROYALE.
The main plot line, as people are probably now aware due to the recent movie adaptation, is to bankrupt Le Chiffre, who foolishly wasted money entrusted to him by some rather dark characters. If Le Chiffre does not win the money back, well, no need for Bond to exercise his license to kill, as the cats Le Chiffre runs with will do that job quite nicely instead. Along with the simple plot line we get the first Bond cutie of Vesper Lynd, Bond's CIA counterpart Felix Leiter, torture scenes, love and betrayal.
We also get a James Bond quite different than many would expect based upon their familiarity with the movies. The Bond of CASINO ROYALE is emotionally vulnerable and not as sure of himself as we might think. Bond himself does not seem enthusiatic when relaying the details of his first two kills that earned him his double-O designation. Yet even this Bond can be ice cold, as the reader discovers at the end of the book. His reaction to Vesper Lynd's betrayal is that of a ruthless killer with a job that had to be done.
CASINO ROYALE may seem a little dated by now, but so what? The same can be said of Sherlock Holmes books or the writings of Dashiell Hammett. Yet those are excellent. Time does a good job of separating wheat from chaff and we can now enjoy those books that time has demonstrated are worth our attention. It may not be a classic of fine literature, but CASINO ROYALE, and James Bond, are classics of their genre, and for good reason indeed.
Book Description
Featuring the debut of a brand-new Bond and set in a number of spectacular European locations, Casino Royale is the latest addition to the most successful film series ever made. Working alongside cast and crew, premier showbiz photographer Greg Williams creates a unique visual record of the making of the movie.
Customer Reviews:
If you loved the DVD, this is a nice addition........2007-08-24
A wonderful compliment to the DVD. I loved the movie and was not disappointed by the extremely candid photography taken on the set of Casino Royale. Greg Williams captured the film set beautifully. My only request would have been to include more photos of the entire cast. Otherwise, this is a true example of professional photography at its' best.
Nice but could have been more........2007-05-15
I liked the book,but it's a little thin on imagery. I would have loved more photo's of the characters and scene's. A stronger narrative of the movie. And the ladies,what a missed opprotunity!
COOL BOOK - GREAT PRICE.......2007-04-03
This is a COOL BOOK! Mainly just pictures - no distracting graphics, text, etc... except for some candid thoughts here and there. Eva Green being funny, smoking at the piano between takes... And you see how Daniel Craig really put himself into the physical side of the film: nursing a black eye with an ice pack, busting through a wall of sheetrock (it's really him), wearing bandaids on a swollen hand (cover picture).
The color and black/white photos are large, close-up and feel almost vintage/period. A favorite already is one of Bond resting between takes through the window of his stunt car... all black/white/silver looking. Very cool.
As others have also commented, I was unsure of this new Bond until I saw the film - now it's my favorite. This book is definitely worth more than the Amazon price - I added it on a whim to my order of the soundtrack - and am glad I did.
Best Bond.......2007-04-02
I've always been a Sean Connery Bond man. Some guys are Roger Moore guys...etc..
I even thought Pierce Brosnan was the best since Connery. So when the announcement of Daniel Craig as Bond surfaced I was not too thrilled. But as soon as I saw the movie I was sold! If not actually better than Connery (I'm still debating), he's right on par with a new take.
"Bond on Set" is a great picture essay all about the making of "Casino Royale". It puts you there like a little visit to the set. If you like Bond and if you like the reboot of "Casino Royale", pick it up!
Fans of Daniel Craig and Casino Royale will love this book.......2007-03-30
This stylish coffee table book is filled with stunning color and black and white behind the scenes shots. The book also contains concise and interesting commentary about the filming of Casino Royale and its various cast members, Daniel Craig in particular. I could not resist buying this book. Not only is Daniel Craig my favorite actor, but I also collect film/cinematography books.
Average customer rating:
- YOU CAN BET YOUR LIFE ON IT
- A Pleasant Taste of Pre-Digital Espionage Fiction
- THE FIRST IN THE JAMES BOND SERIES
- Richly Textured Novel and Period Piece
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Casino Royale (movie tie-in) (James Bond 007)
Ian Fleming
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ASIN: 0143037668 |
Book Description
In the first of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels, 007 declares war on Le Chiffre, French communist and paymaster of the Soviet murder organization SMERSH. The battle begins in a fifty-million-franc game of baccarat, gains momentum during Bond's fiery love affair with a sensuous lady spy, and reaches a chilling climax with fiendish torture at the hands of a master sadist. For incredible suspense, unexpected thrills, and extraordinary danger, nothing can beat James Bond in his inaugural adventure.
Customer Reviews:
YOU CAN BET YOUR LIFE ON IT.......2006-12-24
In his first published adventure, Ian Fleming's James Bond is despatched to the dangerous arcade of Casino Royale, where nothing is ever as it seems, to gamble a decadent Soviet operative known as "Le Chiffre" into oblivion in a winner-take-all game of Baccarat. But the unexpected lurks behind every corner, and Bond must put his trust in the beautiful but enigmatic Vesper Lynd. In the end, only one man can hold the winning card...
CASINO ROYALE is chronologically the first of Ian Fleming's legendary Bond novels, and indeed it is one of the finest. Atmosphere and characterization are at the heart of Fleming's Bond stories, and CASINO ROYALE is exceptional even by Fleming's usually high standards. Bright lights and the air of expensive cigarettes radiate from each page, and the whole is a taut, rarely-equalled example of the Cold War thriller. 007 himself is introduced as the ruthless, rather sinister assassin who set the archetype for all secret agents to come, despite the best efforts of some of the movies to turn him into a playboy with a gun fetish. The unreadable Vesper Lynd adds sugar & spice to the plot, and in my opinion makes for one of the two most alluring of all the Bond Girls (rivalled only by Tracy from ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE), and the intense hot or cold affair between she and Bond is a real stinger. Despite the relatively spartan action scenes, notwithstanding one of the most horrific torture scenes in popular literature and a purely theoretical weakness which the excellent 2006 movie more than makes up for, CASINO ROYALE never wants for suspense, and once it's begun the novel is almost impossible to put down. A classic not only of the spy genre but as a drama, CASINO ROYALE is most heartily recommended.
A Pleasant Taste of Pre-Digital Espionage Fiction.......2006-12-21
I was intrigued to read the book after seeing the movie, which i really enjoyed, and wWas excited to see that some of the film's strains (there were things that seemed incongrous) were efforts to stay loyal to this book. In surprising measure, the film does.
"Casino Royale" gives the impression of a much more human Bond than the film character, and the new film captured that as well. Fleming's 007 is not the unflappable quip-ready playboy made popular in cinema, instead favoring the grittier portrayal carried off in the new film.
It's not all grit, there is an element of sentimentality that seeps through in the novel, and many of Bond's interior monologues in the novel are reminiscient of Bronte.
All in all, I found the novel a quick reading and enjoyable spy story. As someone in my 20s, it was interesting to get a taste of espionage fiction from before the digital age, and Fleming's narrative is happily not overburdened by the gadgetry of even the early Bond films.
THE FIRST IN THE JAMES BOND SERIES.......2006-12-10
Now that Casino Royale has been released as a movie I decided to reread the book to see if it held my interest as several readings before, and yes it did.
When Ian Fleming set pen to paper to write about things he knew well, having been involved during WWII with such matters, he tailored the figure of Bond on things he not only knew well but fashioned Bond after many things he, Fleming, spent his entire life pursuing. While Bond is not an exact clone of Fleming he is most certainly somewhat Ian Fleming's near shadow.
This first book not only establishes a style and pattern of writing for the other 13 books in the Bond series, but sets a new enemy before us: SMERSH, short for SMYERT SHPIONAM which translates "Death to Spies". And in the case of James Bond in this first book he gets the ideogram for SMERSH cut by a knife into the palm of his hand. As Bond would later say in another book, "he got the point".
The location of the story is Royale-les-Eaux and casino, situated as a resort in N.E. France. Since the book was first published in 1953 that may be an approximate time for the action, and it most certainly has to be a few years after WWII from references made by Bond. Quite a bit of the story is set at the card tables within the casino involving the card game baccarat. Other than 'M' there are only 5 main characters: James Bond, Vesper Lynd, Rene Mathis, Felix Leiter, and one of Fleming's most interesting creations: Le Chiffre or the cypher. And had it not been for the intervention of SMERSH, Le Chiffre had the best of Bond and would have killed Bond in this first novel; Le Chiffre certainly came close enough. Sub characters concern a group of Bulgars or Bulgarians who are hired hit men trying to use several camera bombs to blow James into tiny, little pieces. The reader's interest is held to all of this as the story unfolds, what could have happened 50 years back is quite plausible yet today, too.
As Raymond Benson states in synopsis of this first James Bond novel: "Most atmospheric of all novels; most serious and violent of all novels; Bond at his coldest and most ruthless.". I would also add as the reader arrives at the end of the book, a most philosophic James Bond, and through his philosophy as he speaks to Rene Mathis, James gives us his reasons to continue on with the "00" number. He explains that his number is 007 and the "OO" number is only given to agents after they have killed two people in cold blood prior to becoming an agent. When he begins his lengthly philosophy Bond seems bent on resigning from the secret service, but by dialogue's end, he has convinced himself he must, however, take on this new evil: SMERSH.
And as all of us having both the books and DVDs know quite well, it has been and continues to be, one glorious and bumpy adventure, one after the other.
If you are a newcomer to James Bond and decide to read the books, and that is really the only way to come know Bond, it is advisable to read them in the order written. Though they stand independently, one from another, and can be read as such, reading in sequence will allow your knowledge of things "Bondian" a gradual growth. As in this first novel we find that Mr. Bond wears suits that cost $6000.00. Now in the 1950s that could amount to 2 year's salary for most factory workers! Just one of many other inside items never finding its way to the silver screen.
Good reading, shaken but never stirred.
Semper Fi.
Richly Textured Novel and Period Piece.......2006-11-20
This is not only Ian Fleming's first James Bond novel but one of his best. It is richly textured, well written, clearly defines the Bond character and has survived not only as good literature but as a great period piece of the 50s. It also gives us a glimpse of the often unseen smoke filled cocktailed night life found in Europe's plush casinos of that era. Clearly, James Bond is a worldly character that lives and breaths in this unseen world described by Ian Fleming in this novel. James Bond can easily adapt to any locale or situation, size it up and endure. He is both innovative and resourceful and he must rely on his talents and instincts to survive. This is a very good Bond novel. The interestingly designed retro cover too adds to the ambiance.
Customer Reviews:
Rich, Euphoric and Provocative James Bond Novel.......2006-12-11
This is not only Ian Fleming's first James Bond novel but one of his best. It is richly textured, well written, clearly defines the Bond character and has survived not only as good literature but as a great period piece of the 50s. It also gives us a glimpse of the often unseen smoke filled cocktailed night life found in Europe's plush casinos of that era. Clearly, James Bond is a worldly character that lives and breaths in this unseen world described by Ian Fleming in this novel. James Bond can easily adapt to any locale or situation, size it up and endure. He is both innovative and resourceful and he must rely on his talents and instincts to survive. This is a very good Bond novel full of eclectic information and detail as only Ian Fleming can put into the written word. This Penguin Modern Classics has a very evocative cover of elegant and worldly high stakes gambling establishments that breathes life into James Bond and heightens his senses.
Book Description
The legend continues! Get ready to enjoy more thrills and spills with the world's greatest secret agent in the latest addition to this classic action series!
This is the story that introduced us to James Bond! In his first mission, James must neutralize a Russian operative by ruining him at the Baccarat table and forcing his `retirement'. Lady luck appears to be taken with Bond as his target hits a losing streak, but Bond's attraction to a beautiful female agent leads him to disaster...
This new edition also includes Live and Let Die and the very rarely seen Moonraker, brought together for the first time in one spectacular collection that features an exclusive introduction by legendary Bond actor Roger Moore!!!
Customer Reviews:
as good as the book.......2005-09-05
the rendition of casino royale is very close to the original even in the torture scene. there is nothing explicit but you know what's happening. this is a visual companion to the novel and great for Bond purists.
A Different Approach to Bond.......2005-06-19
For Bond fans who can't get enough, this book is a pleasing and thrilling way to look at the character the way Fleming wished him to look. I came across scans of some of these strips on an excellent "Art of James Bond" site, and decided immediately that I must give it a look. It's a different way to experience Bond than the novels and the movies, and is terrifically enjoyable. Highly recommended. Put on a 007 soundtrack cd or two, lean back in your chair with a frosty martini, and travel back into adventure!
More is BETTER not worse.......2005-06-07
This book is actually really great for comic and 007 lovers alikes.
i can not belive this guy gives this book a one star rating just because it gives you extra stories last time i checked extra is BETTER and i thought this guy already has the stories so why is he buying... to collect but if so why is he complaining i dont now.
Wonderful adaptation of Fleming's Novels.......2005-04-10
I grew up reading these strips in the newspaper when I was a little kid in the 60s and the 70s. I bought this book when it was first published by Titan Books in 1989. It was a wonderful presentation by Titan in high quality paper and a beautifully painted cover. The stories are engrossing and the artwork by McLusky is superb. I would recommend this book highly to any James Bond fan.
So why do I award only one star to this book? Titan decided to include Moonraker in this book. People like me who have already purchased the earlier edition of this book have to buy it again just to get the extra Moonraker story.
Average customer rating:
- Deeply Textured Novel and Period Piece
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Casino Royale (James Bond)
Ian Fleming
Manufacturer: Signet
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0451027248 |
Customer Reviews:
Deeply Textured Novel and Period Piece.......2006-12-11
This is not only Ian Fleming's first James Bond novel but one of his best. It is richly textured, well written, clearly defines the Bond character and has survived not only as good literature but as a great period piece of the 50s. It also gives us a glimpse of the often unseen smoke filled cocktailed night life found in Europe's plush casinos of that era. Clearly, James Bond is a worldly character that lives and breaths in this unseen world described by Ian Fleming in this novel. James Bond can easily adapt to any locale or situation, size it up and endure. He is both innovative and resourceful and he must rely on his talents and instincts to survive. This is a very good first James Bond novel from Ian Fleming.
Average customer rating:
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Casino Royale
Ian Fleming
Manufacturer: Blackstone Audiobooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: 0786172835 |
Product Description
At the Casino in Deauville, Bonds game is baccarat. But away from the discreet salons, the caviar and champagne, its 007 versus one of Russias most powerful and ruthless agentsand the prize is a bullet in the head from a S.M.E.R.S.H. assassin.
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