Pan | Painted Series | Diamonds Are Forever | G101
Diamonds Are Forever from the Painted Pan series with the directors covers
04. Diamonds Are Forever
Author : Ian FlemingPublisher : Pan / Great Pan
Format : Paperback
Series :
Edition : 4th through 6th
Year : 1961 (first published with this artwork)
Country published : UK
Artwork designer : Pat Owen
General Notes
The red band at the bottom of the cover shows Ralph Vernon-Hunt as Bond. These editions are known as the “Directors"covers as Vernon-Hunt was the managing director of Pan books at the time. As well as being a model for Bond and MD of Pan books, Vernon-Hunt was a WW2 fighter ace. Casino Royale, Moonraker, Live and Let Die, Diamonds are Forever, From Russia with Love, Dr No and Goldfinger were all issued with different coloured bands showing Vernon-Hunt. Getting a complete set of these is not easy with Dr No perhaps the most difficult to find. The red band is somewhat higher up the book than for most of the other “directors” series which caused a problem when the artwork was reset - see the edition with the yellow band for more details.
Pan seemed to prefer it if their cover artists remained anonymous so the artists often added subtle signatures. Look just to the left of the dressing table and you can spot “Owen” (Pat Owen).
Editions and pricing variants found with this artwork
4th printing 1961. Pan G101 to spine. Copies have been found:
- 2’6 printed to cover
- 2’6 label to front cover (If you have a copy you are willing to trade / sell please get in touch)
5th printing 1961. Pan G101 to spine. Copies have been found with:
- 2’6 printed to cover
- Unpriced
6th printing 1961. Pan G101 to spine. Copies have been found with:
- 2’6 printed to cover.
- Unpriced (If you have a copy you are willing to trade / sell please get in touch)
Collectors notes
Copies have been found with a “write for profit” flyer inside