Ian Fleming

Ian Lancaster Fleming (28 May 1908 – 12 August 1964) was an English writer, best known for his spy novels featuring the central character, “James Bond”.

 

He was a member of Britain's Naval Intelligence Division during WWII, no doubt drawing on this experience in writing his spy novels.

 

During his lifetime Fleming wrote twelve novels and two short-stories which featured the James Bond character, including:

 

Novels

 

• Casino Royale, published 1953;

• Live and Let Die (1954);

• Moonraker (1955);

• Diamonds are Forever (1956);

• From Russia with Love (1957);

• Dr No (1958);

• Goldfinger (1959);

• Thunderball (1961);

• The Spy Who Loved Me (1962);

• On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1963);

• You Only Live Twice (1964);

• The Man with the Golden Gun (1965)

 

Short Stories

 

• For Your Eyes Only (1960);

• Octopussy (1966);

• The Living Daylights (1966)

 

After Fleming’s death in 1964, eight other authors have written authorised Bond novels or novelisations, including:

 

• Kingsley Amis, 

• Christopher Wood, 

• John Gardner, 

• Raymond Benson, 

• Sebastian Faulks, 

• Jeffery Deaver, 

• William Boyd; and 

• Anthony Horowitz

 

A series of young James Bond novels were also written by Charlie Higson.

 

The author, Kate Westbrook wrote three novels based on the diaries of the character, Moneypenny.

 

Ian Fleming’s books have been adapted for television and film, with several actors playing the key role of James Bond, 007, including:

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• Sean Connery (1962–1967, 1971, 1983)

• David Niven (1967)

• George Lazenby (1969)

• Roger Moore (1973–1985)

• Timothy Dalton (1987–1989)

• Pierce Brosnan (1995–2002)

• Daniel Craig (2006–2021)

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