British Secret Service agent James Bond, a.k.a. This article first appeared on April 13, 2009. Read 5,760 reviews from the world’s largest community for readers. Photo: James Bond's creator, author Ian Fleming, had a bit of a flair himself. Source: Ian Fleming: The Man Behind James Bond*, by Andrew Lycett* After witnessing the early stages of Bond's emergence into movies, he died of a heart attack in 1964 at the age of 56.Ģ008 marked Fleming's 100th birthday, which was celebrated with a series of special events throughout Britain. The book inspired two movies (a comedy in 19's reboot with Daniel Craig) and a bleak television production in 1954.įleming would go on to pen 12 Bond novels and nine short stories overall, in addition to the children's classic, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Kennedy included From Russia with Love (Fleming's sixth novel) on his list of favorite books.
The novel (and Fleming's sequels) were not successful stateside until President John F. His short report into London is also one of the great closing lines of any novel: 'The bitch is dead now.' Ĭompared to later Bond novels and especially to the films, Casino Royale is not gadget-centric.Īfter the book’s successful British launch, American Popular Library retitled Casino Royale in the United States as You Asked For It. His romantic illusions shattered, Bond returns to duty with MI6.
When Lynd thinks SMERSH has targeted her for assassination, the double agent commits suicide - leaving Bond a heartfelt love note to explain her betrayal.
