Description
Book SynopsisTwelve novels and nine short stories define one of the most extraordinary fictional characters of all time, creating the basis for the most successful movie series in cinematographic history, watched by more than half the world''s population. The single person probably more responsible than any other for glamorizing the murky world of espionage is Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, who himself lived a remarkable double life of spy and writer. Everyone has an opinion on why 007 became so successful, but one possible explanation is the ingenious formula of fact, fiction, and sheer fantasy. Certainly the author drew on friends and places he knew well to provide the backdrop for his drama, but what proportion of his output is authentic, and what comes directly from the author''s imagination? These questions and more are examined in the Historical Dictionary of Ian Fleming's World of Intelligence: Fact and Fiction. This is done through a chronology, an introduction, a bibliography, an
Trade ReviewA fascinating read. This work is an excellent resource. * American Reference Books Annual *
Ian Fleming's life was nearly as eventful as the one he created for James Bond in 12 novels and nine short stories. West here makes the point that Fleming used people, organizations, and events in his life as fodder for his tales of the fictional British secret agent. Most of the entries are on people and organizations, both real and imagined, major players and the barely mentioned, from Fleming's real life and Bond's fictional one. Entries range in length from three sentences to 16 pages and include cross-references. The longest one is on Mark Chalmers, hero of The Lifeline, a 1946 spy novel written by Fleming's teacher Phyllis Bottome (Bond and Chalmers bear striking resemblances). A chronology, general index, and bibliography are included. West, real name Rupert Allason, is a real character in his own right—a former Tory member of Parliament, a frequent litigant, and an espionage historian who has compiled several other historical dictionaries on the subject for Scarecrow. BOTTOM LINE: There is intriguing material here, but the title will appeal primarily to specialized library collections. Buy where demand warrants. * Library Journal, April 2010 *
Nigel West examines the fascinating double life of spy and writer Ian Fleming, who will forever be known for creating James Bond, one of the most intriguing fictional spies in modern history—as well as the most lucrative; the Bond movies have been seen by more than half of the world's population. The volume consists of a chronology, an introduction, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced entries on actual cases of espionage and real-life spies, along with entries on Fleming's novels, his family and friends, his employers and colleagues, and other notable characters from his work. -- Reference Editor Mirela Roncevic's personal pick * Library Journal, December 2009 *
