Over the past five decades, James Bond films have established themselves as the most popular film series in history. Some estimates have it that a quarter of the world's population has seen a 007 film, and this worldwide fascination with the Bond character has manifested itself in the thousands of fan clubs, fan conventions, web sites, and movie guides in existence today. But while there exists an abundance of literature about Ian Fleming's fictional spy, no book has actually considered the 007 phenomenon in the context of cultural and film history until now. James Chapman's Licence to Thrill attempts to examine the Bond series in a scholarly manner, and succeeds marvelously at doing so.

From the start, Chapman's meticulous, comprehensive study of these films is presented in an objective and refreshing manner. Chapman immediately sets the tone for the book, arguing that the viewer needs to look beyond the fantastic scenarios and hedonistic nature of Bond's life in order to grasp the real meanings of these films -- that is, that they nostalgically represent Great Britain's global strength during an actual period of decline. Chapman goes on to discuss the various film genres (spy thrillers, cliffhangers, action movies) that have been hybridized into the "Bondian" formula, and goes on to show that the Bond films themselves, despite borrowing upon other formulas, have actually developed their own ideology.

The most impressive aspect of Licence to Thrill is its comprehensiveness. Chapman places the Bond films in the context of film history, and by doing so, provides a larger framework by which to assess their cultural impact. He also examines the influence of other film genres on the Bond series; for example, the influence of the "blaxploitation" movement of the early 70's on 1972's Live and Let Die, which features an unusually high proportion of black characters for a Bond film. The rest of the book concentrates on the Bond films themselves, grouping them according to theme and charting the development and evolution of the franchise.

Although Chapman clearly illustrates that the generic formula of these films is virtually designed to change with the British political climate, he also maintains that Bond's adventures are representative works of nostalgia for British imperialism and nationalism. For example, in discussing 1983's Octopussy, which is set largely in India, Chapman notes the numerous television series in Britain during the 1980's devoted to the former British colony and the abundance of works at the time analyzing Anglo-Indian relations. Other films are set against the contemporary British political mindset, such as 1981's For Your Eyes Only, which strongly references Thatcherism, and the end result is that we see the films in an entirely new light.

Enlightening, entertaining and thought provoking, this book is highly recommended for anyone who is serious about film. For the rabid Bond fan, it is simply indispensable.

If you're like I am, you probably cannot get enough of the world of James Bond, Agent 007. The male (and female) fascination with Ian Fleming's fictional creation is now clearly ubiquitous since 007 conventions, fan clubs, web sites, and 'official' and 'unofficial' James Bond movie guides can be found all over the world. The recent re-release of special edition James Bond films on VHS and DVD provides a clearer indication of the success that the Bondian industry enjoys. While there exists an abundance of literature about Ian Fleming's fictional spy, few works actually consider the 007 phenomenon in a serious manner. In fact, the only title that comes to mind is Kingsley Amis' 1965 work, The James Bond Dossier, an extended essay analyzing Ian Fleming's secret agent as he appears in print. There has yet to be a thorough discussion of the Bond novels and their adaptation into film ' until now.
Released this past spring by Columbia University Press, Licence to Thrill by James Chapman breaks new ground as an in-depth study of James Bond and lends credibility to addressing the 007 phenomenon in a scholarly manner. Chapman's introduction, 'Taking James Bond Seriously,' sets the tone for the work: this is not another fan guide to the behind-the-scene insights from the movies. As Chapman writes, the 'numerous books on the Bond films'all emanated from what might be termed the Bond fan culture rather than academia.' Arguing that one must look beyond 007's hedonistic male fantasy life in order to observe how his imaginary world nostalgically represents Great Britain's global strength as Empire and Cold Warrior during an actual period of decline, Chapman's meticulously researched and comprehensive critical study of James Bond is presented in an objective and refreshing manner.
Chapman's early discussion of various genres of film (British imperialist spy thriller, cliffhanger adventure serial, Hollywood action movie, etc.) and the nature of British cinema adequately provides the reader with the requisite knowledge necessary to understand the role of cinematography. Chapman allows proper transition so as to introduce his concept of the 'Bondian' genre ' that is, that the Bond films themselves, despite borrowing upon other formulas, have actually developed their own ideology. The most impressive aspect of Licence to Thrill is its comprehensive narrative. Despite an overabundance of facts (citing, for example, that Kingsley Amis himself argues that Bond is not a spy but is rather presented as a secret agent), quotes, and analyses, the book flows smoothly. That Chapman does not limit his analysis merely to Bond films but rather incorporates British and American films preceding them ' Bulldog Drummond (1929), Dick Barton ' Special Agent (1948), North by Northwest (1959) ' allows the reader to place Bond films within a larger framework. In doing so, Chapman's argument that the James Bond film series exemplifies the progression of spy thrillers films from B-movie to big-budget motion picture stature is soundly supported. Chapman also explores other film movements' impact upon the Bond series, particularly the 'blaxploitation' movement of the early 1970's (Live and Let Die, 1972) and the rise in popularity of kung-fu movies (The Man With the Golden Gun, 1974). Chapman illustrates that Stephen Spielberg's 1975 blockbuster, Jaws, inspired the creation of Bond's infamous seven feet two inch steel-toothed nemesis bearing the same name.
Having provided background in the broader subject of cinema, Chapman devotes the rest of his work to the actual Bond films themselves and groups them according to theme, the development and implementation of what he terms the 'Bond formula,' and, in some cases, the actor who portrays Agent 007. Although he clearly illustrates that the generic formula of the Bond films is quite malleable depending upon numerous political and cultural developments of the period, Chapman nonetheless maintains that the James Bond films serve as representative works of nostalgia for empire and British nationalism. In his discussion of Octopussy (1983) in which much of the action is set in India, for example, Chapman notes the numerous television series in Britain during the 1980's devoted to the former British colony and the abundance of works analyzing Anglo-Indian relations while other films, such as For Your Eyes Only (1981), reference Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's 'Iron Lady' reputation.
Surveying all the Bond films from Dr. No (1962) to Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) ' including the comical Casino Royale (1967) and Never Say Never Again, the 1983 remake of Thunderball (1965) ' Chapman's Licence to Thrill is a definite must-read for any James Bond enthusiast. Enlightening and thought provoking, the book maintains the reader's interest throughout and documents the chronological progression of the longest and most successful film series to date. And while it will certainly not leave you 'shaken,' Licence to Thrill definitely 'stirs' interest.

Licence to Thrill is a cultural review of the James Bond movies and provides an excellent survey of the changing Bond image in movies; from its start with the 1962 Dr. No to its progression beyond Fleming's spy novels to classic films. Bond became a symbol of a Cold War world where Britain was no longer the ruler: this examines how movies reflect and affect social change through images of politics and culture.

Stockdale mixes philosophy with his hard-earned wisdom as a POW in this incredible, honest inspiring book. Better than 99% of all self-help books. Read it, live it.

I do not normally choose to read a book based on the author's resume', but Stockdale's credentials (retired thirty-three year U.S. Navy Vice Admiral (3-stars), spent over seven years as the highest ranking U.S. prisoner of war (POW) in Vietnam, Medal of Honor recipient, 1992 Reform Party vice presidential candidate, president of the Naval War College and the Citadel, holder of eleven honorary doctoral degrees, experimental test pilot, author, professor), compelled me to read his book. I am very glad I followed my gut instincts, for Stockdale wrote one of the best thought-provoking books about life, character, and leadership that I have ever read.

This book is a collection of essays, speeches, and articles by Stockdale (and one by a Stockdale friend and colleague) about his many and diverse experiences and how they have influenced his personal philosophies about life, character, and leadership. Many of his key points are repeated throughout the book, but the different purposes and audiences for the essays, speeches, and articles prevented those key points from becoming stale.

Stockdale's key points included, but were not limited to: character is demonstrated under pressure; his POW experience was the defining event in his life, a blessing (that I believe most non-POWs (like myself) will have trouble understanding or appreciating); the value of an education in philosophic classics (i.e. Stoicism, Epictetus, the Enchiridion, etc.); his first-hand accounts of the events leading up to the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Resolution which officially began our involvement in the Vietnam War (I was surprised); how the lack of character and integrity in senior U.S. leadership prolonged the Vietnam War and ultimately led to defeat and betrayal; and how Vietnam's U.S. POWs differed from our POWs in other wars.

Not one of the easiest books to read, but certainly one of my most inspiring and stimulating readings. I believe this book is one that I will use as a frequent reference, and it is already influencing my personal research and reading selections.

Life is tough, and it's not fair, and it may not be given to us by a personifiable diety who judges us and has a plan for everything. So what do you do? You have to dig deep within yourself. If you avoid the pitfalls of self-pity or the temptations posed by easy ways out, you can prevail against just about anything. Against repeated torture, humilating forced "confessions", and prolonged solitary confinement? Yes!! This man has been there and is quite willing to tell us all about it.

Being a collection of short articles and speeches written by the retired VAdm., the key points are often repeated and there is not a smooth progession in the narrative. But given the wealth here, there's little wrong with that.

This can serve as an introduction to the works of two great thinkers: one living today, and one who lived just a century after the birth of Jesus. Edward O. Wilson is the former, a friend of Stockdale himself, and the founder of sociobiology (and target of the PC Red Guard... see Tom Wolfe's "Hooking Up"). The latter is Epictetus, a former slave turned teacher (he would not call himself a philosopher) who was among the giants of the Stoic tradition.

Tom Wolfe made a habit in his public apperances a few years back of mentioning the clarity of Friedrich Neitzsche's prognostications. According to Nietzsche, the 21st century would see "the reevaluation of all values" which would be doomed without the implicit belief in an all-seeing, all-knowing, all-juding God. Around this period of time, Wolfe had heart surgery followed by a bout of depression, from which he bounced back to finally finish his mammoth novel "A Man in Full", eleven years (!) in the making. Stoicism features prominantly in the book, and I can't help but wonder if Wolfe himself has found some helpful balance between the rationalism of Wilson (who he has in the past called "the giant") and the sheer fortitude of Epictetus.

Who knows, maybe Wolfe read some of this? As someone who has gone though depression himself, this book offered me a heartening glimpse into the strength that can be tapped into when all else goes awry.

Philip Lisa is the driving force behind this book. He is a man of extensive knowledge on the subject of James Bond and his ability to discuss this subject is boundless. This book covers each of the Broccoli / United Artists James Bond films. These are the official films. The book gives objective information on each title written with editorial doses of interest which maintains a consistency of perspective from cover to cover. There are no favorites in the traditional sense. The authors know very well that no filmmaker or group of filmmakers ever intentionally makes an inferior motion picture. It is all a matter of how well the filmmakers combine their efforts and produce a finished product. The focus of the book is the filmmaking, not hype or glamour. The Bond films have always maintained a high ideal of production standards and this book examines that process. Besides the filmmaking this book also examines the James Bond phenomena from product merchandising (including books, toys, music, videos, games, etc.) to the cultural impact of Ian Fleming's hero. It even covers such offshoots such as the animated TV series "James Bond Jr." The book also contains key interviews with members of the acting and production crews. It is also profusely and beautifully illustrated with many colour photographs. I highly recommend this book. And take from me, Philip Lisa is more than just a contributor on this publication.

This is the best book concentrating on the James Bond films series and the phenomena it created. Written with great knowledge, gusto and inspiration this an excellent work on the subject. What is very good about this informative work is that the two authors never editorialize in a derogatory manner. If something in a film did not work, they give us their interpretation of what went wrong and suggest other possibilities. There are many unique photographs illustrating this book. It also covers James Bond Collecting. It is well written and I highly recommend it. My copy goes up to "Licence to Kill" but I do know that another printing followed which included "GoldenEye."

For all the James Bond fans, anything which is more intriguing is welcome at any time. From the time in 1957 when the first movie of James Bond came alive on the small screen to the first feature movie (Dr. No.) in 1962, every single item has been a treasure for a James Bond fan. It is really surprising that this book by Lee Pfeiffer has been missed out in author reviews. Considering the wealth of information that it offers about the celebrated facts of James Bond - the masterly creation of Ian Fleming and brought alive by Cubby Broccoli is a collectors dream. Having this book in the already thick treasure trove of Bond books, movies, cassettes, videos and trivia collection has been a matter of pride for me.

I wish that other Bond fans like me come forward and acknowledge the excellent documentation. As a sign off I would like to say that the book can be described in one word " INCREDIBLE"

Reading Fleming's books is certainly a wise move for any fan of the Bond films. The "omnibus" is an excellent way to start, for it presents a flowing triology of action and angst between Bond and the hated SPECTRE agent Blofeld. On paper Bond becomes much more human and at times more vulnerable, which lends itself to greater suspense throughout the three stories. After reading the collection, one must ask why the films didn't stick with the plot and design of Fleming's writing--for in the writing lies the true 007.

Mr. Bond and his arch nemisis, the criminal genius Ernst Blofeld, return and roll out the thrills in three novels. Bond thwarts three straight Blofeld opperations, gets the girl, and ultimatly destroys him and his entire circle of thugs in the last book of the volume, "You Only Live Twice." However, I thought the endings a bit weak in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" and in "You Only Live Twice." A must read for any Bondophile.

A prime example of Fleming's genius as a writer. Bond is human and credible, the plots more realistic today than they were 30 years ago, the action and tension better than what the MTV generation gets...stylish, elegant and gripping...one finally gets to meet the real Bond.

This great collection of Ian Fleming's three James Bond thriller novels, From Russia, With Love, Doctor No, and Goldfinger is the best deal anywhere if you're looking for cheap classics. Even though it's not avaliable anymore, ... so if you get an oppurtunity buy it instantly.

From Russia, With Love is about a Soviet conspiracy involving a code machine called the Spektor, a lovely Russian female named Tatiania Romanova, and a professional killer who is affected by the moon. The girl sends for Bond, pledging her love and at the same time luring him into a trap that would seriously damage the Service's image. Great read and the best Cold War thriller out there.

In Doctor No, James Bond is sent to investigate two agents who have disappeared in Jamaica. He soon discovers the clues linking him to Doctor No, a Chinese/German doctor who has an island base in Jamaica, where he disrupts U.S. missile firing. James endures through his toughest physcial test of his career, and some consider Dr. No to be the best 007 novel ever written.

Goldfinger is in my opinion the best 007 novel of all. While investigating a cheat at cards by the name of Auric Goldfinger, James is informed that he is also involved in smuggling Great Britain's gold reserves to India, where the Russians wait for it. As James is captured, he discovers Goldfinger's master plan--to raid Fort Knox itself! With the smartest villian, the toughest henchman, and the most thrilling climax of all the James Bonds, Goldfinger is the by far the best masterpiece ever to come from the desk of Ian Fleming.

This wonderful trilogy is an enthralling epic of the Cold War, and I recommend it to anyone who has either read Ian Fleming before, or is thinking of starting very soon.

This is a great book, and after reading this I watched all the movies again, and they can't even compare. If you enjoy James Bnd you will enoy this, I mean I am only eleven and I couldn't tare my eyes away. I enjoyed the action, suspense, romance, and even the detail, Iam Flemming is truly a master writer, and can only portay James Bond. The movies are nothing comapred to this, this is a must get.

These three books together are, in some ways, the epitome of James Bond. However, I must correct one of the reviews. These books *are* sequential. These books are 5, 6, and 7 in the order that Fleming published them. The 8th was The Spy Who Loved Me and the 9th was Thunderball, the first book in the Blofeld trilogy. Aside from the 10th book, For Your Eyes Only (a collection of short stories), the story picks up in On Her Majesty's Secret Service and ends with You Only Live Twice. These three Blofeld books are available in the James Bond Omnibus, volume 2.

One of the last of the original Bond Books, On Her Majesty's Secret Service is also one of the best. Picking up a year after the end of Thunderball, this book finds James Bond again battling the nefarious schemes of Ernest Stavro Blofeld and SPECTRE and, most importantly, falling in love with the beautiful, resourceful, and ultimately tragic Tracy. Though the usual intrigue is well-presented by Fleming, he also makes it clear that Blofeld's plan is hardly meant to be taken all that seriously. (Without ruining it for those who might never have read the book or seen the surprisingly faithful film adaption, it all comes down to Blofeld hidden away in Switzerland, pretending to be an allergist, and brainwashing English farm girls. No, it doesn't make a lot of sense but Fleming obviously had so much fun presenting it that most readers won't take offense.) The heart of this book -- and this Fleming treats with an admirable seriousness that should take his critics by surprise -- is the love story between Bond and Tracy. In Tracy, Fleming has created perhaps his most fully realized "Bond girl." Vulnerable yet resourseful and more than capable of taking care of herself (and, at times, perhaps even more so than Bond himself), its hard not to fall in love with this character and when Bond finally does decide to reject all others for her, its impossible to disagree with his logic. Its a compelling, rather touching love story and, even though most Bond films know how its going to end, the ending still packs a heavy impact.

As for Bond himself, after being a rather predictable presence in Thunderball, he's back in full form as a full realized, interesting character in this novel. On Her Majesty's Secret Service was written after the release of Dr. No (Ursula Andress even makes a cameo appearance at the time) and one can sense that, with this book, Fleming is reestablishing his claim on the character. From the intentionally ludicrous evil scheme to the frequent excursions into Bond's head (revealing him hardly to be the ruthless, unflappable killer that filmgoers though him to be), Fleming comes across as a reenergized writer in this book -- determind to let all the new Bond fans out there know who is really in charge of their favorite secret agent's destiny. The result is one of the best of the original Bond books and one of the best spy thrillers I've read in a long time.

Without a doubt, Ian Fleming's finest James Bond Novel. Mr. Fleming neatly round out the character of James Bond as the reader sees the complete person behind our favorite government operator. The book begins with Bond begining to becomed bored with his assignment and meeting the love of his life. Due to the nature of his work and the emotional scars from previous relationships, Bond is always reluctant to engage in a serious romance with a woman. However, this time, Bond is willing to take his chances to find someone to fill the void in his life. Aside from the romance, Bond also has a job to do. Reinvigorated by progress in his once moribund assignment, Bond tackles his arch enemy Ernst Stavro Blofled through Fleming's engaing narrative. References to Bond's childhood memories, past assignments, and his dreams are particularly effective. Fleming's rich imagination transports the reader from Bond's old haunts on the Northern French coast to the Swiss Alps, where 007 once again takes his licks for "Queen and Country." Hats off to Fleming for his gutsy ending, which unfortunately for Bond, underlines the fact that 007 will always belong to "Her Majesty's Secret Service."

Fleming adds the detail and the smashing debonaire of oo7 together and comes up with the incredible novel: On Her Majestey's Secret Service. The high adventure, the beautiful Bond girls, and James Bond's "save the day" attitude make On Her Majestey's Secret Service a must read! I've written several books myself but none compare to this. I stayed up late until one in the morning reading the wonderful descriptions of the exploits of Bond, James Bond. It, along with Casino Royale, The man with the Golden Gun, Goldfinger, and You Only live Twice, are ranked high on my favorite novels list and should be yours. The head of SPECTRE and his Number Two man torment the spy but as always, Bond defeats the evil plans of Ernst Stravo Blofeld but for him to only fight another day!This book is so good it should come with popcorn!

Like the Beatles at the same time, the popularity of the James Bond films of the Sixties simply steamrollered criticism. The quality of the individual flicks ranged from near-schlock to iconic, but the Bond style always set them apart. This coffee-table book digs deep into the history of the series, from Ian Fleming's books down to the most recent Pierce Brosnan vehicle. And the authors gathered comments from practically everybody, from the stars to the producers right down to the guy who wrote the famous James Bond guitar riff. An enjoyable look into the past, through the barrel of the Walther PPK.

There have been a lot of books written about the James Bond films and phenomenon; I should know because I've read them all! That's why I feel uniquely qualified and very confident in saying that this latest book (written by the two gentlemen who produced the special edition James Bond DVDs) is without a doubt THE best book yet written about the James Bond films! If you're baffled as to which book to add to you movie library, look no further because here you will find information and photos that you will not find anywhere else.

What makes this book so good? Well, first off, it's HUGE in size! A great coffee table book to be sure. The graphic layout is extremely well done and all the films are given equal time (not the case with some of the other books which tend to fixate on the Connery era). Also, for the first time in any official publication, we have coverage of the two "unofficial" James Bond films: NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN and CASINO ROYALE. Up until now these two "rogue" films have been missing from all official publications for legal reasons. JAMES BOND THE LEGACY is the first book to be published after MGM took ownership of these films, so now we are able to learn the fascinating stories of how they came to be made and, most interestingly, how they impacted and influenced the official series. Great stuff!

But what I like most about JAMES BOND THE LEGACY is how the authors look at each film within the historical context of when it was made. They focus not only on what was going on with the Bond producers at the time, but also what was going on in the world; what socio-political and even cinematic trends the Bond films were keying into. This really brings a new understanding to each film and helps explain why James Bond has endured while other "pop culture spies" (Matt Helm, Derek Flint, xXx :)) failed to connect beyond their time and have long since disappeared. Most people think James Bond films are "all the same", but you will discover here that they are not. In this book I learned how throughout its amazing 20-year history the Bond filmmakers made subtle--and sometimes very bold--changes in the tone of the series and to the character of James Bond himself. This is much more than a simple look at the production and plot of each film, this is a major work on one of the most famous fictional characters of the 20th century. Oh, and the book also gives a detailed look at the new Bond movie, DIE ANOTHER DAY, with some pictures that lead me to believe this could be the best Bond movie of them all! This alone makes it stand above the rest as definitive.

JAMES BOND THE LEGACY is a must buy for all James Bond fans and anyone interested in 20th century popular culture. Again, if you buy just one book about James Bond, make it this one.

There have been countless amount of book on the films, book, culture, politics, comics, toys and anything and everything about James Bond. But, let me tell you that this is the best 007 book ever! You will notice that when you first see it because of it's huge size! It is the largest 007 book I own. Written by two authors who researched their facts and are excellent on the subject of James Bond.

What makes this book so unique? Many, practically all 007 books explain about the movies and books alone. This book does that, but includes how what was going on in the world and popular culture influenced many of the decisions in the films and books. All of the films, including Die Another Day, Never Say Never Again and Casino Royale are reviewed in equal amounts. These two official films have always been a little more difficult to read about, but now because MGM has recently added them under their ownership, they are explained in great detail. The best part is how the author's include not only the focus of the film, but what was going on in the world at the time. A great example is the dangerous choice to expose African Americans as the villains in Live and Let Die. This is a great way to see what was the pop culture during each film. Learn all about the Bond Family, and how they made many changes to the series such as increasing the authority of women, how Bond acted, amount of humor in the films and the way they were presented to the public. A great way to look at all of the thousands of people that have contributed to the series, enhanced with hundres of rare photographs and pictures. The best book to look back at the history of James Bond over the 40 years it has been around. The end of the book features great text information on the films. And, finally there is a quote from people that have worked on or in a Bond film.

The definititve Bond book. The Best. That covers it all.

By far the most realistic of the Bond books. Fleming's description of the MGB (later KGB) headquarters in Moscow's Dzherzinsky Square, where the plot to lure British agent James Bond to his death is first revealed, is reputedly based on information to which he was privy in his capacity as a WWII officer in British Naval Intelligence -- likewise the recruitment and training of the psychopathic killer Red Grant, one of the most formidable of Bond's enemies (and the only one in the films who looked for a while about to kill Bond for sure! 007 meets his match in Grant!) This is the book behind what in my opinion is the best of the Bond movies, steeped in the atmosphere of the Cold War into which the Bond series was born. 007 travels to Istanbul in pursuit of the bait, a Lektor decoder which can read top secret Soviet military and intelligence signal traffic. Another form of bait is the beautiful Tatiana Romanova, an MGB cipher clerk allegedly in love with Bond, willing to defect with the Lektor if only 007 will come and fetch her. (Fleming takes yet another jab at the Reds by choosing this name for Bond's love interest -- Romanov was the family name of the last Czar of old imperial Russia, the family doomed to extinction by the Russian revolution.) Kerim Bey adds a bit of panache, mischief and mystery as "Our man in Istanbul," Head of Station T (for Turkey). A truly great and suspenseful plot!

Fleming seemed to have used his first four novels (Casino Royale, Live and Let Die, Moonraker, and Diamonds are Forever) to warm us up to the Bond character and used the same plot style for the first four novels. In From Russia, With Love, Fleming takes Bond and his writing style to a higher, more intellectual level. Fleming is masterful in setting the scenes without being too boring. Bond doesn't appear until the second part of the book (Part II-The Plan) and you hardly even notice. Another interesting note is that of the James Bond movies, From Russia, With Love the movie follows the novel pretty well, even in lesser scenes such as the gypsy fight. This, perhaps, is due to the fact that Fleming was alive only for the filming and release of Dr. No and From Russia, With Love. This book is clearly Fleming at the top of his game and an outstanding entry to the series.

Considered by many to the be the best James Bond 007 book of all time, From Russia With Love delivers the perfect formula for a James Bond novel. Originally, Ian Fleming's tales of 007 were not going so good, so he intended with this book to kill off James Bond once and for all. The end of this novel is quite a surprise to a first time reader.

The book begins by telling of the commanding rule of SMERSH. The leader of this organization is General Grubozaboyschikov. Also working is Colonel Rosa Klebb and director of planning Kronsteen, who treats real people as if they were chess pieces. The muscle of the group is a homicidal madman, who follows orders, and is in practically perfect physical shape, Donovan "Red" Grant. These evil minds have planned the perfect way to destroy the life and reputation of James Bond. Their plan is to lure 007 with the beatiful Tatiana Romanova and a Spektor cipher decoding machine as bait. Then Grant will meet up with them eventually and kill them both. However, SMERSH will take it a step further to lie to the public that Bond and Tatiana were in an affair, and that Bond commits suicide. It's a perfect plan.
Bond indeed does travel to Istanbul, believing that this girl wants to defect, and will give him the Spektor machine only if he personally helps her. 007 meets Darko Kerim, and a wonderful gypsy fight adds to the fun of the story. Bond and Tatiana travel on a train back to Europe, where he meets Red Grant and is told of the plan to kill him. An extremely bvrutal gun and fist fight breakes out between the men with 007 shooting Grant. 007 goes to Paris with Tatiana to catch Rosa Klebb in a meeting. However, Klebb releases a poison knife from her shoe and kicks 007 in the leg, before being taken away by the police. The story ends with 007 lying on the floor of the hotel room...

Perhaps the finest story of Ian Fleming, filled with the excitement and adventure to give this book it's reputation as on of the best 007 novels ever!

An excellent compendium of places and locations that have played a part in both Bond Books and Bond Films. The detail and descriptions are impecable and Gary's research has definately paid-off.

Particular note goes out to the two introductory writers, Peter Hunt and Christopher Lee, who both offer excellent background and depth.

One downside is that a map would have been quite effective to achieve the sense of geography and distance to these locations. As only a one-time visitor (so far!) to London, I don't quite know the relationships to the districts and locales, etc. In this case a map would have been quite helpful.

James Bond and London, the capital of Britain, go hand in hand. A James Bond adventure, whether it is cinematic or literary, would hardly be complete without some form of patriotism towards Mother England and off hand I can only think of a few adventures (mainly short stories) where no scenes talk place in Britain. This simple fact, coupled with the fact that every man wishes to be like James Bond, gives good reason for a book such as James Bond's London to be written.
Gary Giblin took up the challenge of writing such a book in January 1998. I shall not go into full details here as they're covered in Jordan Charter's interview located here. However, what started as a book entitled James Bond's Britain eventually had to be subdivided into two books. As a result of a lot or hard work James Bond's London was published in December 2001.

To begin with, James Bond's London isn't your average book, nor is it what I originally envisaged it would be; but that's not a bad thing, quite the opposite actually. What Giblin has presented is a travel guide to the world of James Bond in London. Quite simply, the book is the most useful source for anyone who wants to travel in the footsteps of James Bond, something, which could easily seem a mammoth undertaking.

Giblin has been very particular in the material that he has covered. By his own admission in an interview with CommanderBond.Net he has omitted literary material not written by Ian Fleming; of course indicating he is a purist to the work. Giblin has also omitted non-EON Productions cinematic material; again a sign of purity as there is only one true James Bond film series.

That said, the amount of material Giblin has included is still amazing. There a literally hundreds of locations that can be found in the novels and in the films. What is most amazing about the film locations is how many of them were used for non-British locations in the films. For instance the car park from Tomorrow Never Dies is actually in London and not Hamburg. Also, aside from locations that we read of and watch are locations where significant events of the Bond world took place. For instance, the birthplace of Ian Fleming or the former offices of EON Productions. If it's Bond related and it's in London you'll find it in "James Bond's London".

Thankfully, for those of us not well versed in travelling around London Giblin has an explanation of how to get to each location. Not only does he include the standard address, suburb and postcode but also details for getting there via the London Underground. As a part of this he's mentioned the platforms and the stations one should use and once leaving the station which streets one should follow.

The locations in the book are also well categorised. Rather than organising the locations by film, novel or perhaps relation Giblin has taken the initiative of organising them by location. So one could simply spend a day in a certain part of London and visit several Bond related locations. The guide makes it that simple.

As for the detail on each location Giblin has included quite a lot. To describe each location Giblin has used icons to begin with; for instance a clapperboard icon represents a film related location. As a part of the textual description for each location Giblin has not only included Bond related information but information on the locations non-Bond history. Readers will not only learn a great deal about Bond but a great deal about London too.

In passing good comments about the work that Giblin has done one must also highlight downfalls to "James Bond's London" - something that is not an easy task let me assure you. While I can find no fault in the material that Giblin has presented I must say that I was disappointed to find that the book was not offered in a hardback edition. However, in saying that one can definitely appreciate the fact that Giblin and the Daleon, whom published the book, made all attempts to keep the prices low. My only other complain is about one of the icons in the book; the skull and cross bone. The icon is disproportionate and according to Giblin this is a problem that occurred at the printers.

All in all James Bond's London is a must have for any Bond fan of any calibre. Gary Giblin has researched extensively into all aspects of the locations and the films and help from Bond legends such as Peter Lamont have made this a completely unique and factual reference guide.

Giblin leaps to the forefront of Fleming/Bond reads,and joins the short list of the best,Pearson, Benson and Lycett.

Immerse yourself in this one!

When I bought the hardcover edition of this book at a 007 collectors show, I was amazed in the size of the book. Never thought anything would top it (my opinion changed with John Cork and Bruce Scivally's James Bond Legacy). However, I am a little disappointed there aren't more pictures in this book! More posters! I have seen many 007 posters over the years and this book doesn't cover them all. I hope when they re-release the book with Die Another Day, they will ad those missing posters. Otherwise the book is great! My only complaint is it is too darn big to fit on my bookcase.

It's sad to see how [poorly] the poster art for the Bond films have become in the past decade. But this collection allows you to relish the amazing images and see Bond around the world.

We are finally given a book that focuses on the art of the James Bond films. With it's extensive size and length, this is one 007 book that is sure to deliver the idea it promises. Every film from Dr. No to The World is Not Enough including Casino Royale and Never Say Never Agin are included. Each film has posters from the USA, UK and many other countries that made posters for each film. The teaser posters fro On Her Majesty's Secret Service are a real treat offering the odd, but truly inspirational 007 and Bride posters. Excitng montage art for many other film posters is included as well. Many films have unique posters for each main character in the film such as The World is Not Enough. A wonderful and new kind of 007 book thats real strength lies in the pictures and not in the text. Great for all that enjoy James Bond!