Actor Daniel Craig poses with Berenice Marlohe and Naomie Harris while launching the start of production of the new James Bond film "SkyFall" at a restaurant in London
Actor Daniel Craig poses with Berenice Marlohe (L) and Naomie Harris while launching the start of production of the new James Bond film "SkyFall" at a restaurant in London REUTERS

The Random House publishing group has set a record of sorts, after acquiring a 10-year deal, from British novelist Ian Fleming's estate, to publish the world-famous James Bond catalogue, in print and e-format.

Incidentally, the very first James Bond book - "Casino Royale" - was published in 1953 by Jonathan Cape, a sister imprint of Vintage Books (a Random House company).

"We are delighted to be reuniting James Bond with his original publisher.This new deal, incorporating both print and e-book formats, represents a significant step-change for Ian Fleming and his work," Reuters quoted Corinne Turner, Managing Director of Ian Fleming Publications Ltd, the family company which has until now published Bond e-books under its own imprint.

The 14 James Bond books will be re-launched this summer. More than 100 million copies are expected to be sold.

According to the BBC, sales are likely to be boosted by the release, in October, of Daniel Craig's third 007 film, "Skyfall", which comes 50 years after the original Bond film, "Dr No".