The Folio Society has a number of beautifully illustrated reproductions of Ian Fleming’s Bond novels. From Russia With Love once more features the talents of Fay Dalton, who has provided images and a stunning slipcase.
Named as Ian Fleming’s finest novel in numerous polls, and described by the author as, ‘In many respects, my best book’, this nail-biting thriller sees 007 ensnared by an elaborate plot devised by the Soviet counter-intelligence agency, SMERSH. Set among the bazaars and minarets of Istanbul, and aboard the Orient Express, the novel features some of the series’ most memorable characters. The ebullient and dissipated Darko Kerim reigns over ‘Station T’ with the help of his many children, and becomes Bond’s firm comrade. Rosa Klebb is the repugnant SMERSH operations chief whose weaponry includes a boot concealing a poison-tipped knife; Red Grant is the terrifying psychopath whose lust for murder has made him Chief Executioner. Tatiana Romanova is the ravishing, guileless instrument of a deadly honeytrap designed to destroy and defame the Secret Service’s greatest agent.
Fay Dalton is a London-based illustrator. She has a first-class degree in Illustration and was the winner of the 2010 Pickled Ink Award for illustration. Fay combines traditional drawing and painting methods with digital painting. She has also illustrated Casino Royale (2015) and Dr No (2017) for The Folio Society.
The presentation of the book, from the artwork on the case, to the printing on the spine, is lovely – just like the other books in the series.
Having read the James Bond books when I was a child I was eager to see the illustrations from Fay Dalton and how well they integrated into the story, and I wasn’t disappointed. The illustrations are amazing and really help to bring certain scenes to life.
If you are a fan of James Bond books, this one is a must for your collection.
Available now from the Folio Society priced £34.95.
