John Gardner's James Bond

Even though John Gardner died in 2007, there has been a renewed interest in his James Bond novels because 2011 was the thirtieth anniversary of the renewed series.  License Renewed, Gardner's first attempt at Bond, was published in America and in England in 1981.  He ultimately composed 14 Bond novels and two movie adaptations.  Of concern to collectors is the fact that the Jonathan Cape publications seem to have a greater value than the Merek/Coward, Macann/Putnam versions.  This could be due to greater sales in America or it could be due to variance in dust jackets.  The art work for the Cape editions being more ornate than the rather plain American editions published by the varied American publishers.  The American jackets have more of a Bond/Fleming feel though.  Recently in Iverness, Florida, I found a collection for sale at the local Goodwill.  As they were first printings in very good to fine condition, I purchased For Special Services, Icebreaker, and Role of Honor.  These are the second, third, and fourth books in Gardner series. The copy of License Renewed at the Goodwill was a book club edition so I decided not to purchase it.  It bought a decent first edition/first printing online through Amazon.com to complete the series.  For just over ten dollars, I got Gardner's first four attempts at Bond.  These books would be a nice addition to anyone's spy library though they should not be confused with the originals or with Le Carre at his best.