JAMES BOND - 007

IAN FLEMING [1908-1964]

Ian Lancaster Fleming  was a journalist and a WWII Navy Commander, educated in England at Eton and Sandhurst, he lived in may countries with a particular love for Jamaica where he had a house called Golden Eye.    The James Bond Character has many similarities to his own tastes and ideas: special forces;   a fellow smoker of bespoke cigarettes and with a particular preference to his drinks, to name a few.

The iconic character of James Bond has become one of the most well known of 20th Century literature starring in 14 original books by Fleming.

The success of Ian Flemings novels led to the adaptation of his books to create 22 films, begining with Dr. No, starring Sean Connery in 1962, this being perhaps the longest reigning series of films ever produced has cemented James Bonds name as a twentieth century hero worldwide. The latest addition to the portfolio was released on 31st October 2008 staring Daniel Craig, entitled   “The Quantum of Solace”.   The Quantum of Solace was one of the short stories written by Fleming under the title of “For Your Eyes Only” published in 1960, this was not a novel but a collection of 5 short stories to include, “For Your Eyes Only” and “From a View to a Kill” [both previous film titles].   It is a 32 page short story with the opening line: JAMES BOND said: ‘I’ve always thought that if I ever married I would marry an air hostess.’   It was not until 1963 that Bond was actually married, all be it briefly, in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”, where Tracy Bond, daughter of Draco, is shot by Blofeld shortly after their wedding.

Ian Fleming Bibliography

Ian Fleming First Editions

James Bond Novels:                                              

Other Books:

CONTINUATION BOND:

KINGSLEY AMIS

The death of Ian Fleming in 1964 did not see the end of James Bond, in 1965 Kingsley Amis published his ‘James Bond Dossier’, and ‘The Book of Bond’, under the pseudonym William Tanner.  This was followed by Flemings own ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’,  and ‘Octopussy & the Living Daylights’ both published posthumously, it was rumoured that Amis was also the editor and ghost writer for The Man with the Golden Gun.   In 1968 a new James Bond adventure appeared entitled Colonel Sun, by Robert Markham, this was also Amis under another pseudonym - Bond's associate with whom he enjoys a game of golf at Sunningdale at the beginning of the book was called Bill Tanner, referring back to Amis other pseudonym. Although this seemed like the time for Amis to take up the mantle and write a number of continuations Bond spy stories, this was to be the end of his contributions.

JOHN GARDNER

James Bond in his original Cold War surroundings did not reappear until John Gardner was asked to revive the character and he did so with ‘Licence Renewed’ in 1981, he proceeded to write 16 further James Bond novels including Licence to Kill and Goldeneye [both made into films], his final novel was Cold in 1996, this has since become one of the rarest of his novels due to the short print run.

John Gardner Bibliography

John Gardner First Editions

RAYMOND BENSON

This did not see the end of the James Bond era of novels as the author Raymond Benson took up the mantle and proceeded to write a further 9 novels, a few made famous from being adapted for the Pierce Brosnan films: ‘Tomorrow Never Dies; ‘The World is not Enough’ and ‘Die Another Day’.

Raymon Benson Bibliography

Raymond Benson First Editions

SEBASTIAN FAULKS

The latest entry into the world of James Bond was on publication in 2008 of ‘The Devil May Care’ by Sebstian Faulks ‘writing as Ian Fleming’, the book was published to be released on the Centenary of Fleming’s birth 28th May 2008.  The strength of the Bond theme is illustrated by the fact that this book was the fastest selling Penguin published book in the UK ever.