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Ian Fleming: The Man Behind James Bond
More than a quarter century after the death of Ian Fleming, Andrew Lycett has produced his definitive biography. Through hundreds of interviews and direct access to Fleming's papers, as well as those of family and friends (which contain much previously unpublished and highly controversial material), Lycett has been able to reveal, for the first time, the truth behind the complicated facade of an enigmatic and remarkable man. With an extraordinary cast of characters, this is biography at its best - part history, part gossip, and part informed reassessment.
Sportsman, womanizer, naval commander, world-traveler, spy, this suave Old Etonian creator of the Cold War's archetypal secret agent was infinitely more complicated and interesting than his major fictional character, Agent 007. Fleming's wide-ranging and exciting life inevitably provided the plausible backdrop for the Bond novels, and while his temperamental, sometimes violent nature got him into difficulties as a young man, the second World War was the making of him. Highly regarded in British naval intelligence for his international contacts, he master-minded numerous top secret operations, including "Golden Eye," which is uncovered here for the first time. His role in shaping the prototype CIA is also fully detailed.
Sportsman, womanizer, naval commander, world-traveler, spy, this suave Old Etonian creator of the Cold War's archetypal secret agent was infinitely more complicated and interesting than his major fictional character, Agent 007. Fleming's wide-ranging and exciting life inevitably provided the plausible backdrop for the Bond novels, and while his temperamental, sometimes violent nature got him into difficulties as a young man, the second World War was the making of him. Highly regarded in British naval intelligence for his international contacts, he master-minded numerous top secret operations, including "Golden Eye," which is uncovered here for the first time. His role in shaping the prototype CIA is also fully detailed.
486 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 14, 2016
It always seems a crying shame to me whenever an author dies young, or rather prematurely. The protagonist here, Ian Fleming died in his mid-fifties and during his lifetime was producing a James Bond book every year...successfully. So what if he had lived till around 80 years old; how many more "new" authentic Bond novels would he have written and published? Some might deem this a trite observation, but consider hitherto very popular novelists like Agatha Christie and James Hadley Chase who lived till ripe old age, adding dozens of new works to their corpus in the last 30 years of their lives. But no matter. Ian Fleming made his mark, and continues to do so, especially with the staggering, mind-boggling success of the Bond movies over the decades. Most readers would of course want this particular biography to more or less start with Fleming and the Bond novels, which is certainly not the case here - and should not be. This is a proper biography, I think. It is only some 200 pages or so into this biography that the creation of the Bond novels starts to unfold. But the early part of this work is not without interest, especially in respect of history (personal and global), influences, and evolution. It saddens me a lot too, that Fleming during his lifetime only managed to see a couple or so of his own creation on the big screen! It would have been wonderful for him to have seen other actors like Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and even Lazenby breathing life into the larger than life indestructible sleuth he created. And the wonderful music in the movies too that festooned the screen versions of the likes of You Only Live Twice and Octopussy. But at least Ian Fleming has been immortalised in many ways too since his demise; this impressive book constitutes one of such ways.
April 19, 2024
I've been meaning to read a biography of Ian Lancaster Fleming since I was about 12 and a massive James Bond fan. Which is probably why I buckled down and pushed my way through this massive slog of a book. Fair play to the biographer, who I'm sure did a solid job, it's just that his object was not very sympathetic and not very interesting at all apart from the fact the he wrote the first 14 Bond books. Having read them an unhealthy number of times and still enjoying them (even if a number of objections to everything from plausibility, racism and misogyny needs to be put firmly to the side for the duration) it was of course interesting to read about how they came to be (which, to be fair, is a highly improbable story in itself).
The rest of it is following the life and times of the privileged egoistic serial adulterer sadist addict Fleming and the unfortunate people around him.
He died one year older than I'm now, which kind of gives you pause, but I really need to look up the definition of "untimely" before I agree with the author as he smoked as a chimney (70+ a day, unfiltered, top of the range nicotine/tar content) and drank like a fish for decades.
Makes you think - I thought the smell was bad in the 80s and 90s when you could still smoke in pubs and restaurants (and by all means, movie theatres, on buses, or in one of the hospitals many smoke rooms), but what must indoors and people have smelt like in the decades prior?
And that's one more (amazing/scary) fact of this book, the world described (last period) is but a few years from when I was born. I'm probably lucky that my earliest memories date from the mid-late 70's.
The rest of it is following the life and times of the privileged egoistic serial adulterer sadist addict Fleming and the unfortunate people around him.
He died one year older than I'm now, which kind of gives you pause, but I really need to look up the definition of "untimely" before I agree with the author as he smoked as a chimney (70+ a day, unfiltered, top of the range nicotine/tar content) and drank like a fish for decades.
Makes you think - I thought the smell was bad in the 80s and 90s when you could still smoke in pubs and restaurants (and by all means, movie theatres, on buses, or in one of the hospitals many smoke rooms), but what must indoors and people have smelt like in the decades prior?
And that's one more (amazing/scary) fact of this book, the world described (last period) is but a few years from when I was born. I'm probably lucky that my earliest memories date from the mid-late 70's.
June 15, 2012
I cannot tell you whether this is the best biography of Ian Fleming -- because it's the only one of the several big books on Fleming that are out there that I've read -- but it is comprehensive. I learned a great deal about the man who created James Bond.
He set out to write the definitive spy novel. Critics say he didn't achieve that, but he came up with a character who became a cultural icon, and that's no mean achievement. In truth, the Bond movies did that. Fleming didn't write the film scripts; other did. But they couldn't have done it had not Fleming created Bond who propelled forward a platform of a dozen books that are his and an extensive shelf of Bond novels written by others commission by Fleming's estate.
Fleming once was a spy, though more in management for Britain's Naval Intelligence Division than a field agent. He also was a journalist and superb storyteller, so he had the stuff and talent to write the books.
But he was far from a nice man -- selfish, an alcoholic, a rake who bedded a lot of women during his lifetime, often the wives of friends. Fleming achieved the success he was looking for, but he did not enjoy it because no critic considered him a great writer. Fleming's success was in creating a fabulous money-making machine.
Do know that at moments this can be a challenging book to read. Biographer Andrew Lycett is a Britisher, so some of the expressions he uses we Americans won't understand. Example: "Still Ian could not resist cocking a snook at anyone who tried to tell him what to do."
Cocking a snook?
He set out to write the definitive spy novel. Critics say he didn't achieve that, but he came up with a character who became a cultural icon, and that's no mean achievement. In truth, the Bond movies did that. Fleming didn't write the film scripts; other did. But they couldn't have done it had not Fleming created Bond who propelled forward a platform of a dozen books that are his and an extensive shelf of Bond novels written by others commission by Fleming's estate.
Fleming once was a spy, though more in management for Britain's Naval Intelligence Division than a field agent. He also was a journalist and superb storyteller, so he had the stuff and talent to write the books.
But he was far from a nice man -- selfish, an alcoholic, a rake who bedded a lot of women during his lifetime, often the wives of friends. Fleming achieved the success he was looking for, but he did not enjoy it because no critic considered him a great writer. Fleming's success was in creating a fabulous money-making machine.
Do know that at moments this can be a challenging book to read. Biographer Andrew Lycett is a Britisher, so some of the expressions he uses we Americans won't understand. Example: "Still Ian could not resist cocking a snook at anyone who tried to tell him what to do."
Cocking a snook?
September 2, 2011
Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, has always had the reputation of being one of those authors whose own life was as colourful as their books. While that reputation might be slightly exaggerated Andrew Lycett’s 1995 biography certainly suggests that Fleming was an interesting and contradictory character.
Fleming is the kind of writer who is today almost aggressively unfashionable. He was born into a world of wealth and privilege, he was politically conservative and his books are about as politically incorrect as books can be. There was actually quite a bit more to the man that that.
Born in 1908, Fleming’s life up until the outbreak on World War II was a series of failures. He was a failed journalist, a failed stockbroker, a failed banker. He failed in his initial ambition to enter the Foreign Office. He spent the pre-war years drinking too much and chasing women. The war finally brought him an opportunity to put his talents to some use. He landed a job as assistant to the head of the Naval Intelligence Division. It was the just job at which he was an unqualified success. Fleming was what today would be described as an expert networker, and his imagination and flair for detail made him a highly useful intelligence planner.
The end of the war brought that to an end. He returned to journalism but maintained his contacts with the intelligence community. Although the family had possessed a considerable fortune at one time much of it had been dissipated and the remainder was in the hands of his eccentric mother. When he finally married money was something of a problem and writing seemed like a good way to supplement his income. The result was the first James Bond novel, Casino Royale. It was a modest success but certainly sold well enough to ensure that it would be followed by more, and over the course of the 50s his fame grew steadily. Unfortunately a combination of a weak heart and much too much good living took its toll and by the age of 50 his health had collapsed leading to his death at 56 in 1964.
Lycett’s biography is neither overly critical nor fawning. It’s a portrait of a man whose talents were limited but within those limits extremely impressive. Fleming revitalised the spy novel for a post-war audience, adding sophistication, glamour, violence and sex. One critic described his formula as being based on the three S’s - Sex, Snobbery and Sadism. It was a formula the reading public loved.
Fleming is often seen as a simplistic Cold Warrior but in fact his politics were not particularly extreme. He seem to have been a moderate conservative. He was certainly anti-communist, another black mark against him as far as the literary establishment is concerned.
Lycett doesn’t gloss over his subject’s faults nor is he especially coy about Fleming’s sado-masochistic sexual tastes (which his wife apparently ethusiastically shared). He doesn’t really provide a satisfactory explanation apart from the rather obvious one that it was a taste one was highly likely to pick up at Eton. The strong impression is also given that Fleming had a self-destructive streak - he consistently ignored all medical advice and continued to live the lifestyle that was killing him. And perhaps he had the right idea. Fleming’s life was short but it was certainly full.
Fleming also had a talent for making lasting friendships, often with rather unlikely people. Noël Coward remained one of his closest friends until his death.
The book is very much focused on Fleming rather than on Fleming’s books and personally I’d have liked a bit more of an attempt at an analysis of Fleming the writer. Despite that minor quibble it’s an entertaining look at a writer whose influence on popular culture has been immense and lasting.
Fleming is the kind of writer who is today almost aggressively unfashionable. He was born into a world of wealth and privilege, he was politically conservative and his books are about as politically incorrect as books can be. There was actually quite a bit more to the man that that.
Born in 1908, Fleming’s life up until the outbreak on World War II was a series of failures. He was a failed journalist, a failed stockbroker, a failed banker. He failed in his initial ambition to enter the Foreign Office. He spent the pre-war years drinking too much and chasing women. The war finally brought him an opportunity to put his talents to some use. He landed a job as assistant to the head of the Naval Intelligence Division. It was the just job at which he was an unqualified success. Fleming was what today would be described as an expert networker, and his imagination and flair for detail made him a highly useful intelligence planner.
The end of the war brought that to an end. He returned to journalism but maintained his contacts with the intelligence community. Although the family had possessed a considerable fortune at one time much of it had been dissipated and the remainder was in the hands of his eccentric mother. When he finally married money was something of a problem and writing seemed like a good way to supplement his income. The result was the first James Bond novel, Casino Royale. It was a modest success but certainly sold well enough to ensure that it would be followed by more, and over the course of the 50s his fame grew steadily. Unfortunately a combination of a weak heart and much too much good living took its toll and by the age of 50 his health had collapsed leading to his death at 56 in 1964.
Lycett’s biography is neither overly critical nor fawning. It’s a portrait of a man whose talents were limited but within those limits extremely impressive. Fleming revitalised the spy novel for a post-war audience, adding sophistication, glamour, violence and sex. One critic described his formula as being based on the three S’s - Sex, Snobbery and Sadism. It was a formula the reading public loved.
Fleming is often seen as a simplistic Cold Warrior but in fact his politics were not particularly extreme. He seem to have been a moderate conservative. He was certainly anti-communist, another black mark against him as far as the literary establishment is concerned.
Lycett doesn’t gloss over his subject’s faults nor is he especially coy about Fleming’s sado-masochistic sexual tastes (which his wife apparently ethusiastically shared). He doesn’t really provide a satisfactory explanation apart from the rather obvious one that it was a taste one was highly likely to pick up at Eton. The strong impression is also given that Fleming had a self-destructive streak - he consistently ignored all medical advice and continued to live the lifestyle that was killing him. And perhaps he had the right idea. Fleming’s life was short but it was certainly full.
Fleming also had a talent for making lasting friendships, often with rather unlikely people. Noël Coward remained one of his closest friends until his death.
The book is very much focused on Fleming rather than on Fleming’s books and personally I’d have liked a bit more of an attempt at an analysis of Fleming the writer. Despite that minor quibble it’s an entertaining look at a writer whose influence on popular culture has been immense and lasting.
July 27, 2014
Fleming. Ian Fleming.
This biography of Ian Fleming by Andrew Lycett was the most comprehensive one out there I could find. As someone who loved both the Bond books and movies (can't forget Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), I was interested in learning more about the man. There certainly is a lot of myths woven around the man who created James Bond to nobody's surprise. Lycett is able to look beyond the myths however and give us Ian Fleming, the complex individual that he was.
Unfortunately, Fleming's case is largely one of the commonly used phrase "never meet your heroes". While Fleming had a wide variety of friends and acquaintances (Churchill, Truman Capote, John F. Kennedy), his views on women leave much to be desired. Fleming isn't going to be confused as a feminist anytime soon. Fleming told one friend: "Women were like pets, like dogs, men were the only real human beings, the only ones he could be friends with."
Fleming's story is interesting however to consider since he did not even begin writing Bond until after the age of 40 and died by the age of 56. Of course, with a diet such as "he was smoking seventy cigarettes, and contrary to his dictates for foreign correspondents, drinking a bottle of gin each day" it's no wonder he even made it to 40. Of course, he eventually did cut down his cigarette habit to 60 a day.
While Lycett does give some attention to the Bond books, it ultimately leaves much to be desired. They are mentioned in the context of what was going on in Fleming's life but we never got much more in most cases other than a plot summary. Although it is fascinating to see that Fleming (much like Doyle with Sherlock Holmes) eventually came to regret his creation and even considered killing him off multiple times. It's even more interesting to consider all of this since James Bond was largely the man of action Fleming wish he could have been during the war.
Although I do give Lycett credit for giving us more information about Fleming's novel, The Spy Who Loved Me, my personal least favorite book of the Bond series. At this point, Fleming claimed he did not see Bond as a heroic figure "but only as an efficient professional in his job". The train had already left the station at this point however so to speak.
Overall, I find it extremely interesting that the current Bond series today rejects the campiness of the 70s and 80s Bond movies and even the campiness within the Bond books. Instead, they embrace the darker side of James Bond as a character and ultimately leave you wondering whether Bond is really a hero or not. I would have been interested in seeing Fleming's take on this.
Lycett's biography is overall an enjoyable read, although I do think it sometimes gets lost in detail. As previously stated, I would have enjoyed a bit more literary criticism of the Bond novels. However, the biography serves its purpose well of giving readers a more intimate and stark look at the man who in modern popular culture is becoming more myth than fact.
This biography of Ian Fleming by Andrew Lycett was the most comprehensive one out there I could find. As someone who loved both the Bond books and movies (can't forget Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), I was interested in learning more about the man. There certainly is a lot of myths woven around the man who created James Bond to nobody's surprise. Lycett is able to look beyond the myths however and give us Ian Fleming, the complex individual that he was.
Unfortunately, Fleming's case is largely one of the commonly used phrase "never meet your heroes". While Fleming had a wide variety of friends and acquaintances (Churchill, Truman Capote, John F. Kennedy), his views on women leave much to be desired. Fleming isn't going to be confused as a feminist anytime soon. Fleming told one friend: "Women were like pets, like dogs, men were the only real human beings, the only ones he could be friends with."
Fleming's story is interesting however to consider since he did not even begin writing Bond until after the age of 40 and died by the age of 56. Of course, with a diet such as "he was smoking seventy cigarettes, and contrary to his dictates for foreign correspondents, drinking a bottle of gin each day" it's no wonder he even made it to 40. Of course, he eventually did cut down his cigarette habit to 60 a day.
While Lycett does give some attention to the Bond books, it ultimately leaves much to be desired. They are mentioned in the context of what was going on in Fleming's life but we never got much more in most cases other than a plot summary. Although it is fascinating to see that Fleming (much like Doyle with Sherlock Holmes) eventually came to regret his creation and even considered killing him off multiple times. It's even more interesting to consider all of this since James Bond was largely the man of action Fleming wish he could have been during the war.
Although I do give Lycett credit for giving us more information about Fleming's novel, The Spy Who Loved Me, my personal least favorite book of the Bond series. At this point, Fleming claimed he did not see Bond as a heroic figure "but only as an efficient professional in his job". The train had already left the station at this point however so to speak.
Overall, I find it extremely interesting that the current Bond series today rejects the campiness of the 70s and 80s Bond movies and even the campiness within the Bond books. Instead, they embrace the darker side of James Bond as a character and ultimately leave you wondering whether Bond is really a hero or not. I would have been interested in seeing Fleming's take on this.
Lycett's biography is overall an enjoyable read, although I do think it sometimes gets lost in detail. As previously stated, I would have enjoyed a bit more literary criticism of the Bond novels. However, the biography serves its purpose well of giving readers a more intimate and stark look at the man who in modern popular culture is becoming more myth than fact.
September 26, 2021
OMG. TMI. This very involved biography has way more names and places than I will ever remember. However, stepping back and taking a look at the whole of all the parts gives one a very good picture of the person who was Ian Fleming. I am a James Bond die hard fan, but it does seem a wonder after reading this that he ever got off of first base with this series. Timing is critical, and once the books were published and the tv and movies got going, everything took off. Interestingly enough, he wrote alot of other articles and books on various unrelated topics. And his years during WWII in the Naval Intelligence Department under the British Admiralty were quite a read. Never the less, give yourself a good chunk of time if you are going to read this particular biography.
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September 19, 2020This was a very interesting look into the man behind the legendary character James Bond. In so many ways Ian Fleming's James Bond was a mix of who he was but also who he wanted to be. Anyone that enjoys the James Bond books by Fleming will appreciate this look into the influences that created such an iconic character.
July 28, 2014
I just couldn't bring myself to finish it, especially with everything else I have going on. It's not a bad book; it's just that all the guy seemed to do was sleep with women, and I lost track of all the names.
January 18, 2014
Amazing biography of the man who created 007. I found my way to this book as I explored Thriller-writer who were, themselves, spies of some sort.
Lycett does a great job of detailing the life and accomplishments of Ian Fleming, without glossing over what a jerk he was.
The best parts are Fleming's years in Naval Intelligence during the war. Despite being a desk-jocky, Fleming was a competent officer and ran a bold network of intelligence gathers and saboteurs. One can see from where some of the ideas for his later novels sprang.
His relationship with his long-time mistress, then wife, Anne is handled with respect. Necessary, since both Ian and Anne enjoyed sado-machocism.
Perhaps my only disappointment is the short treatment Blanche Blackwell gets. Perhaps the second-most important woman in Ian's life, the author gives their relationship a shallow glossing that is far less than it is deserved.
I recommend this book for Bond fans.
Lycett does a great job of detailing the life and accomplishments of Ian Fleming, without glossing over what a jerk he was.
The best parts are Fleming's years in Naval Intelligence during the war. Despite being a desk-jocky, Fleming was a competent officer and ran a bold network of intelligence gathers and saboteurs. One can see from where some of the ideas for his later novels sprang.
His relationship with his long-time mistress, then wife, Anne is handled with respect. Necessary, since both Ian and Anne enjoyed sado-machocism.
Perhaps my only disappointment is the short treatment Blanche Blackwell gets. Perhaps the second-most important woman in Ian's life, the author gives their relationship a shallow glossing that is far less than it is deserved.
I recommend this book for Bond fans.
July 4, 2012
Like most biographies, the first 200 pages of Lycett's book suffer from the impulse to list every person Fleming ever spoke to once on a train. Finally, though, at around page 216, we get to what we all came for-the genesis and process of the Bond novels. From that point, this book becomes clear and focused, and a joy to read. I appreciated Lycett's literary criticisms as well as his biographical sketches. His prose is clean, only occasionally slipping in to the three or more asides that seem to define the core style of other biography writers. I especially appreciated the last five pages, which let us know how things turned out for Caspar. HIGHLY recommended.
August 9, 2013
A good all round view of Fleming's life. In places though it does turn into a list of dates and places and people without much commentary.
January 24, 2016
Such a self-centered person. How sad.
April 11, 2018
The book was pretty boring and Fleming was a selfish jerk. He’s all the worst parts of Bond with none of the heroics
July 18, 2018
Not really well written but full of absolutely every last detail of this odious man's life. He was an upper class creep of the first order.
November 23, 2021
Superbly written, the narrative flows so easily it really is hard to stop reading once started. The immensely impressive research makes this a rare combination. In short, the biography is thoroughly enjoyable.
I confess to being curious, though, in one respect. Why did such a talented, capable biographer turn his attention to Ian Fleming of all people?
Like so many others of my age, I pretty much grew up with the Bond books and read them from prep school though high school and beyond. I found them entertaining, of course, but pretty vacuous, silly with a nasty undercurrent that couldn't be ignored. His treatment of his female characters was a strong clue to the man's character. It goes without saying that one has to respect and admire - if not envy - his immense and quite extraordinary commercial success - but for me, Buchan, Household, Ambler and Deighton were miles ahead when it came to the quality and maturity of the writing and story-telling. Even then, the man's face, shown in newspaper and magazine interviews, seemed to me to carry a permanent sneer.
Fleming was a particular kind of privileged Englishman, of a particular class and era. He inherited wealth and scores of social connections, thanks to his obnoxious mother whom he replaced with an almost equally obnoxious wife. (A wife who nonetheless adored him through to the pitiful end and whose love was repaid by Fleming with physical and emotional torment in spades). Yet he failed to make a go of those connections - at Reuters, Sandhurst, stock-broking and banking. He lacked grit. In peace, he was an instinctive Tory and an imperialist. No doubt he would have got along famously with the likes of the appalling Boris Johnson. His wartime work was the dilettante's role of glorified Whitehall messenger between senior officers rather than frontline intelligence, and as for action, the closest he seems to have got to the front line was viewing the carnage at Dieppe from the deck of a destroyer, some 400 metres offshore. He was neither sailor nor combatant and disliked taking physical risks himself.
Let's be blunt: Fleming was supercilious, arrogant, cruel, racist and misogynist with a proclivity for sadism and this splendid biography does little to change that opinion, unfortunately. Of the RNVR - the 'Wavy Navy' - it used to be said that it was comprised of gentlemen trying to be officers (The RNR was said to consist of officers trying to be gentlemen).
Fleming was neither. He was a rich, self-hating poseur with the emotional development of a seven-year-old. I was disappointed to read at one point that he successfully dodged a sound thrashing with a horse-whip, something he so richly deserved.
Then again, having read this biography, I realise he might have enjoyed it.
I confess to being curious, though, in one respect. Why did such a talented, capable biographer turn his attention to Ian Fleming of all people?
Like so many others of my age, I pretty much grew up with the Bond books and read them from prep school though high school and beyond. I found them entertaining, of course, but pretty vacuous, silly with a nasty undercurrent that couldn't be ignored. His treatment of his female characters was a strong clue to the man's character. It goes without saying that one has to respect and admire - if not envy - his immense and quite extraordinary commercial success - but for me, Buchan, Household, Ambler and Deighton were miles ahead when it came to the quality and maturity of the writing and story-telling. Even then, the man's face, shown in newspaper and magazine interviews, seemed to me to carry a permanent sneer.
Fleming was a particular kind of privileged Englishman, of a particular class and era. He inherited wealth and scores of social connections, thanks to his obnoxious mother whom he replaced with an almost equally obnoxious wife. (A wife who nonetheless adored him through to the pitiful end and whose love was repaid by Fleming with physical and emotional torment in spades). Yet he failed to make a go of those connections - at Reuters, Sandhurst, stock-broking and banking. He lacked grit. In peace, he was an instinctive Tory and an imperialist. No doubt he would have got along famously with the likes of the appalling Boris Johnson. His wartime work was the dilettante's role of glorified Whitehall messenger between senior officers rather than frontline intelligence, and as for action, the closest he seems to have got to the front line was viewing the carnage at Dieppe from the deck of a destroyer, some 400 metres offshore. He was neither sailor nor combatant and disliked taking physical risks himself.
Let's be blunt: Fleming was supercilious, arrogant, cruel, racist and misogynist with a proclivity for sadism and this splendid biography does little to change that opinion, unfortunately. Of the RNVR - the 'Wavy Navy' - it used to be said that it was comprised of gentlemen trying to be officers (The RNR was said to consist of officers trying to be gentlemen).
Fleming was neither. He was a rich, self-hating poseur with the emotional development of a seven-year-old. I was disappointed to read at one point that he successfully dodged a sound thrashing with a horse-whip, something he so richly deserved.
Then again, having read this biography, I realise he might have enjoyed it.
February 9, 2024
My review is very mixed. I am both happy I "listened" to it and regretting that I did. Mostly I am sad: to quote LeChiffre in the movie Casino Royale: "what a waste"
The writing is good, although perhaps a little more exhaustive than I expected. I wish there had been more commentary on Ian like the final few paragraphs, and less detail about his childhood and adolescence. I admit I read it because I wanted to better understand the author that wrote the James Bond books which I thoroughly enjoy. I got that. But much of it was related to Ian's lifestyle and actions with less insight into why he wrote what he wrote. Part of this is related to the fact that James Bond was very much the end of his life. While his life certainly was part of the James Bond he created, Ian Fleming was much more than the Intelligence Officer turned novelist. Unfortunately, he is not a very sympathetic character, and I wish I knew less about him as a person.
This no holds barred unapologetic detailing of his life shows that compared to Ian Fleming, James Bond is almost a puritan. Ian Fleming leads a life that makes even the most tawdry or bawdy version of James Bond to look tame. In other words, Ian Fleming wasted his experience and life by drinking, smoking, sleeping with the wife of a friend who he later married then cheated on again. He was little of a father to his son who died his own sad end not that long after Ian died. His death at 56 was a sad result of his own lifestyle: he literally smoke and drank himself to death. Sad, and wish it had been otherwise.
While the biography does show where some of the Bond stories orginate from, I wish I had more of this and less detail about living ones life in a disappointing manner. As I alluded to above, I almost wish I hadn't read the book. One thing the book does well is illuminate the factors leading to the decline of England and the UK in the world in the 20th Century. These factors are intertwined with the lifestyle of Ian Fleming, his mother, and his associates. No illusions that my own nation is somehow heading in a different direction: just not at far down the path.
I still really like the James Bond Books, and found the story of their creationg, publication, conversion to movies, and the entire debacle with the Thunderball story interesting. At the end of the day however, the biography in Wikipedia would have been enough detail and insight into Ian fleming for me .
The writing is good, although perhaps a little more exhaustive than I expected. I wish there had been more commentary on Ian like the final few paragraphs, and less detail about his childhood and adolescence. I admit I read it because I wanted to better understand the author that wrote the James Bond books which I thoroughly enjoy. I got that. But much of it was related to Ian's lifestyle and actions with less insight into why he wrote what he wrote. Part of this is related to the fact that James Bond was very much the end of his life. While his life certainly was part of the James Bond he created, Ian Fleming was much more than the Intelligence Officer turned novelist. Unfortunately, he is not a very sympathetic character, and I wish I knew less about him as a person.
This no holds barred unapologetic detailing of his life shows that compared to Ian Fleming, James Bond is almost a puritan. Ian Fleming leads a life that makes even the most tawdry or bawdy version of James Bond to look tame. In other words, Ian Fleming wasted his experience and life by drinking, smoking, sleeping with the wife of a friend who he later married then cheated on again. He was little of a father to his son who died his own sad end not that long after Ian died. His death at 56 was a sad result of his own lifestyle: he literally smoke and drank himself to death. Sad, and wish it had been otherwise.
While the biography does show where some of the Bond stories orginate from, I wish I had more of this and less detail about living ones life in a disappointing manner. As I alluded to above, I almost wish I hadn't read the book. One thing the book does well is illuminate the factors leading to the decline of England and the UK in the world in the 20th Century. These factors are intertwined with the lifestyle of Ian Fleming, his mother, and his associates. No illusions that my own nation is somehow heading in a different direction: just not at far down the path.
I still really like the James Bond Books, and found the story of their creationg, publication, conversion to movies, and the entire debacle with the Thunderball story interesting. At the end of the day however, the biography in Wikipedia would have been enough detail and insight into Ian fleming for me .
April 24, 2021
Wow, just wow! This biography was extremely enlightening and kind of bring numerous things full circle for me as a James Bond fan (both novels and films). Andrew Lycett, the author of this biography, spent a lot of time researching Fleming's life and bringing it to life for the public. It is extremely long but Lycett gives lots of details, which I think makes the reader aware of who Fleming was and a refreshing look into his literary career. Fleming, as a man, I extremely disagree with because he was very much a product of his time; however, those times are different in compare for today. In the end, Fleming lived an interesting life as an intelligence officer for the UK during World War II, his marriage and family life, and travels throughout his life. I will say, Fleming and Bond are similar (both literal and figurative) because he tried to make his novels as realistic as possible. If you are a fan of James Bond movies and/or novels, you should give this biography a chance. You will learn a lot more and connect the dots.
I did listen to the audiobook of this book. The narrator was Simon Vance and he was fantastic! Since Vance is British, he adds more to the audiobook since Fleming was British, too, and makes it feel authentic. He isn’t dull but makes it interesting for readers. He is one of the better audiobook narrators I’ve listened to in recent memory.
I did listen to the audiobook of this book. The narrator was Simon Vance and he was fantastic! Since Vance is British, he adds more to the audiobook since Fleming was British, too, and makes it feel authentic. He isn’t dull but makes it interesting for readers. He is one of the better audiobook narrators I’ve listened to in recent memory.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2024
As a 15 year old teenager in 1963 I read my first James Bond book-Goldfinger. From then on I loved James Bond books (read them all and saw the movies). I even made a class presentation of that book in my high school sophomore English literature class.
This book chronicles the life of Ian Fleming, the James Bond author. The book needs editing as the author puts too much detail about his life that becomes distracting when reading (or listening). Because of this I gave it only 3 stars.
What I learned is that Ian Fleming was James Bond without the 007 gun killer license. He was a cad with many women, had lots of affairs with married women (he even married his wife who was already married when they had a tempestuous affair). He was a journalist before WW2. He was in naval intelligence during the war and one of his ideas later became the basis for Thunderball. He loved Jamaica (Goldeneye was the name for his home-later a short story with the same name). He was born into wealth so he had the connoisseur worldly knowledge, he gambled, he loved fast cars, and he became very wealthy.
He died too young at 56 with heart issues (before the age of bypass surgery).
James Bond is the progenitor of ALL the many spy, undercover, action figures, movies. Fleming created him and fortunately Fleming died before he planned to “kill off” Bond in a novel.
This book chronicles the life of Ian Fleming, the James Bond author. The book needs editing as the author puts too much detail about his life that becomes distracting when reading (or listening). Because of this I gave it only 3 stars.
What I learned is that Ian Fleming was James Bond without the 007 gun killer license. He was a cad with many women, had lots of affairs with married women (he even married his wife who was already married when they had a tempestuous affair). He was a journalist before WW2. He was in naval intelligence during the war and one of his ideas later became the basis for Thunderball. He loved Jamaica (Goldeneye was the name for his home-later a short story with the same name). He was born into wealth so he had the connoisseur worldly knowledge, he gambled, he loved fast cars, and he became very wealthy.
He died too young at 56 with heart issues (before the age of bypass surgery).
James Bond is the progenitor of ALL the many spy, undercover, action figures, movies. Fleming created him and fortunately Fleming died before he planned to “kill off” Bond in a novel.
February 21, 2021
A mind-numbingly exhausting litany of dinner party guest lists, adulterous liaisons, and name dropping of contemporary minor celebrities who have either been lost to general awareness in the intervening decades or never achieved it outside of Britain to begin with. More than anything the author seemed to be derailed by an over abundance of primary material. His inclusion of what felt like every letter and insignificant scribble in the margins of a notebook explains why the tome is just shy of 500 pages. Despite the length, the author never provides an overarching view or analysis, opting to provide only a litany of quotidian, and occasionally intimate, details without explaining “so what?”
The best parts of the book are not surprisingly the chapters devoted to WWII wherein it’s clear that Flemming’s wartime experiences provide a surprisingly authentic foundation for Bond’s later exploits. It’s for this reason alone that Bond aficionados might find value in the book, but I’m sure there are also probably more succinct offerings that cover the same material.
The best parts of the book are not surprisingly the chapters devoted to WWII wherein it’s clear that Flemming’s wartime experiences provide a surprisingly authentic foundation for Bond’s later exploits. It’s for this reason alone that Bond aficionados might find value in the book, but I’m sure there are also probably more succinct offerings that cover the same material.
March 29, 2021
This book did expand my view on so many things. The author went into exquisite detail on everything, which was great. It also made the book very long and it bogged down in some places for me. But, who knows what detail others will find fascinating? I feel nothing was left out. We get a very clear picture of the man who was Ian Fleming and what his day to day life was like. I understand much more about some of the history of his time and the practices of marrying for money and power. We get insight into the man who liked to travel and thought about the intelligence systems of many countries and how small moves might take down men of power or governments. He was somewhat undisciplined and rude many times, acting like a teenager. He liked to play games and gamble and was good at it. We see that he was one who took to life full speed ahead and pulled out all the stops. Sometimes this was out of joy, curiosity, and energy. At the end it was sometimes out of fear. We see that the James Bond character sort of grew and grew and took on a life of its own which is still going to this day.
April 12, 2020
Like other critics have pointed out, this book is slow, tedious reading and too full of extraneous detail, such as the people Fleming met and dealt with and the places he went to. The author repeats himself and you wonder how much primary research he actually did, due to the lack of references. There are so many anecdotes the reader feels overwhelmed.
Fleming came from a wealthy banking family and had three brothers, all more responsible and mature than Ian, who never seemed to have a sense of responsibility or self-discipline. He was athletic and clever, but shallow and having no respect for women. He finally developed some sense of responsibility as a naval intelligence officer during the Second World War, but was never in the actual battlefield and spent his time dealing with other officers and politicians. If this book about Fleming is accurate, you won't find much to like about this person.
Fleming came from a wealthy banking family and had three brothers, all more responsible and mature than Ian, who never seemed to have a sense of responsibility or self-discipline. He was athletic and clever, but shallow and having no respect for women. He finally developed some sense of responsibility as a naval intelligence officer during the Second World War, but was never in the actual battlefield and spent his time dealing with other officers and politicians. If this book about Fleming is accurate, you won't find much to like about this person.
January 11, 2022
I did not know much about Ian Fleming before I read this biography. After reading the book it seems to me that he had a very interesting life.
The book is over about 450 pages but, it seemed like it was twice that long since the words were so small. There were lots of words on the pages.
I read the hard cover version of this book. Not the paper back. Anyway I enjoyed learning about how Ian did research for some of his bond books.
One thing I was surprised to learn that it took awhile before a bond book got to the silver screen. I thought since the books were so popular that Ian would have had an easier time getting his books turned into movies.
What else do I want to say about the book. Its pretty through. It talks about his early life, his writing career, his marriage, his family, his song Casper.
I am more of a bond fan after reading the book.
The book is over about 450 pages but, it seemed like it was twice that long since the words were so small. There were lots of words on the pages.
I read the hard cover version of this book. Not the paper back. Anyway I enjoyed learning about how Ian did research for some of his bond books.
One thing I was surprised to learn that it took awhile before a bond book got to the silver screen. I thought since the books were so popular that Ian would have had an easier time getting his books turned into movies.
What else do I want to say about the book. Its pretty through. It talks about his early life, his writing career, his marriage, his family, his song Casper.
I am more of a bond fan after reading the book.
January 20, 2023
This is a fascinating investigation of a complex and accomplished life. It seems to me too much is made in the introduction of the recent research that allows undercutting of Fleming claims to any Bond-like escapades. It seems to me he was close enough to enough daring secret ops, if only as an administrative staff officer, to serve as the germ for the adolescent fantasy antics of James Bond. (My vision of Bond is from the movies, having never read any of the novels.) Indeed it does seem this imaginative writer had a penchant for exaggeration. He was also, to me, a privileged skirt-chasing jock and talented newsman. His out-sized self-marketing and gambler's bluffing allowed him to successfully promote endearing spy consistently to the end of his life from his perch in Jamaica despite a legal mess of ownership and a private life muddled with selfishness and betrayal.
November 18, 2016
Sportsman, womanizer, naval commander, world traveler, spy, this suave creator of the Cold War’s archetypal secret agent was infinitely more complicated and interesting than his major fictional character, Agent 007.
The definitive biography of author Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond 007, includes information about Fleming's career in naval intelligence where he masterminded many top-secret operations.
With the Bond movies earning critical acclaim as the spy and signed for several Bond movies, both the character and his creator remain subjects of enduring popularity. Boasting an extraordinary cast of characters, this is biography at its best—part history, part gossip, and part an informed reassessment of one of this century's most celebrated yet mysterious personalities.
The definitive biography of author Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond 007, includes information about Fleming's career in naval intelligence where he masterminded many top-secret operations.
With the Bond movies earning critical acclaim as the spy and signed for several Bond movies, both the character and his creator remain subjects of enduring popularity. Boasting an extraordinary cast of characters, this is biography at its best—part history, part gossip, and part an informed reassessment of one of this century's most celebrated yet mysterious personalities.
December 11, 2019
Currently about 3/4ths thru, but want to add a review while i still remember some about it.
Started in Nov and sort of lost interest as WAY TOO MUCH about his early and mid life for all but the most avid fans. I got interested bc he was mentioned in book, Secret Life of Code-breakers in Bletchley Park. Would like a condensed verion.
May get back to it later as enjoy all the mention of other people, including his banking family, etc and what was going on in England and the continent during this time.
Overdrive 1.0 and 1.25
Started in Nov and sort of lost interest as WAY TOO MUCH about his early and mid life for all but the most avid fans. I got interested bc he was mentioned in book, Secret Life of Code-breakers in Bletchley Park. Would like a condensed verion.
May get back to it later as enjoy all the mention of other people, including his banking family, etc and what was going on in England and the continent during this time.
Overdrive 1.0 and 1.25
August 30, 2023
I have never read a more factual, more minutely researched biography. An exceptional effort. On a more personal side, it is a work with "warts and all". Fleming was an absolutely complex man, who had a very shaky beginning due to a manipulating mother, who insisted on setting one son against another. I believe, it was the war which saved Fleming, gave him his first real purpose and set him on a productive course. It also has to be said, he benefited from the "Old Boys, Friends, and Family Network" to an incredible extent. Having said all this, as an author, I loved Ian Fleming's books.
August 16, 2020
You don't have to like a person to find them fascinating. A person doesn't need to be likeable to be interesting. This is a very in depth recording of Fleming's life, "warts and all". It almost covers a day-by-day account of his life and is a great study of the upper-middle class and society of the period. I read this to contextualise the James Bond phenomenon having grown up with the films and have recently started reading the books. Overall it was interesting and fulfilled my brief.
February 19, 2023
This is extremely well written, but prepare yourself for an awful lot of detail. I was thoroughly engrossed, but appalled at the same time. By the end I was left feeling that Ian Fleming was a privileged, self-centred, cruel, thoughtless, misogynist who drove himself to an early death by living a decadent lifestyle of excess and ignoring professional advice. It’s also a great reminder that wealth and success cannot bring you happiness without health and meaningful relationships.
June 24, 2020
I found this a well researched book but found it too heavy going,more to do with name dropping and the author continuingly going on about how prickly and anti social he was.more would have been nice about the background to the bond books which was touched on in the later chapters.
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