Ian Fleming's first novel, 'Casino Royale', was published in 1953. It set the tone for the entire James Bond franchise. The story follows Bond as he takes on the villainous Le Chiffre in a game of baccarat at the Casino Royale in France. It's a thrilling adventure full of espionage, danger, and Bond's characteristic charm and resourcefulness.
The value of Ian Fleming's paperback first edition novels can vary widely depending on factors like condition, rarity, and demand. Some might be worth a few hundred dollars, while others could fetch thousands.
James Bond is of course the main character. There are likely to be other characters such as his superiors in the intelligence agency, some female characters who may be love interests or allies, and the villains. But without specifying which last novel exactly, it's hard to name them precisely.
One notable feature is the culmination of Bond's character development over Fleming's previous works. It might show a more mature and perhaps world - weary Bond. Also, the plot likely ties up loose ends from earlier novels in the series.
One main characteristic is the glamorous and dangerous world they depict. The protagonist, James Bond, is often in high - stakes situations, facing off against evil villains. Another is the detailed descriptions of spy gadgets and technology that were quite innovative for their time.