books: May 2008 Archives

I meant to mention this before the weekend,  but didn't get a chance.

The Irish Media Contacts Directory 2008 edition has just been released.

The directory is split into four main sections:
  • Print
  • Broadcast
  • Media Services
  • Politics
It also includes an "experts" section which is useful if you are looking for an informed comment on something.

It would be really nice if they gave subscribers access to the data in CSV format, as that would be very useful for mailing lists etc.,

The directory retails at EUR90 and is available via the site
This year is turning out to be a bumper year for James Bond fans.

The Ian Fleming centenary has acted as a wonderful catalyst for the likes of Penguin, who are releasing a series of new covers, which are simply gorgeous.

Here's the one from Casino Royale:
casino-royale-penguin-book-cover.jpgIt maybe new, but it's got that wonderful 60s retro feel.

The full set of books will be available at the end of May, though they haven't announced if they will be making a box set available yet.

Of course there's also the new Bond film which is set to be released on October 31st.

Earlier this year Royal Mail released a set of stamps to commemorate the centenary, while the Imperial War Museum is holding a really nice exhibition.

Of course the main thing behind Bond was the books, so you could do worse than spend some time acquiring some of the first editions. While you can get some of the first editions for as little as 30 or 40 euro there are some going under the auction hammer next Friday for prices ranging from 500 euro to ten thousand euro. More information is available on the Bloomsbury Auctions' site (you can bid via eBay)



james bond exhibition london imperial war museum
As I mentioned some time ago, this year mark's the centenary of Ian Fleming's birth.

While the Royal Mail have issued a gorgeous set of stamps to commemorate the man and his most famous creation - James Bond, the Imperial War Museum in London is marking the occasion with an exhibition.

The exhibition, For Your Eyes Only, is being held in the Imperial War Museum and is well worth the entrance fee. Not only does it chronicle the life and work of Fleming, but it also explores the literary and cinematic world of James Bond.

The exhibits include a very impressive selection of international editions of the books along with some of the props and costumes from the films, including an atomic bomb!

When I was a teenager my cousin took me around most of the museums in London, such as the Imperial War Museum. I may not have been as deeply affected by some of the themes as I am now, I was always impressed by their usage of multimedia. Over 20 years later the technology has advanced considerably and so have the displays.

The James Bond exhibition is a rich multimedia experience and allows you to explore many of the themes "a la carte". Unlike so many exhibitions that are simply flat and static, the use of multimedia enriches the overall experience and allows you to explore in your own way.

If you get a chance to drop in before next year (when it closes) I'd highly recommend it.
Michele Neylon - cartoon picture

About this Archive

This page is a archive of entries in the books category from May 2008.

books: February 2008 is the previous archive.

books: June 2008 is the next archive.

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