Ian Fleming was born Ian Lancaster Fleming 100 years ago this month (May 1908) in Mayfair London. He is probably best known for introducing the world to a super spy character (very loosely based on himself) James Bond.
Ian worked as a journalist in his early life in he 1930s for the Reuters news service. On the eve of war in 1939 Ian Fleming was recruited into the Royal Naval Volunteer service as a Reserve lieutenant. Moving through the ranks Fleming eventually worked for the Naval Intelligence Division.
In 1953 James Bond was born with the publication of the first Bond Novel Casino Royale. James Bond was famously named after the ornithologist James Bond, as Fleming was seeking a subtle name.
A further 13 books followed Live and Let Die (1954), Moonraker (1955) (A short Story Collection including stories titled, From a View to a Kill, For Your Eyes Only, Risico, Quantum of Solace The Hildebrand Rarity), Diamonds Are Forever (1956), From Russia with Love (1957), Dr. No (1958), Goldfinger (1959), For Your Eyes Only (1960), Thunderball (1961), The Spy Who Loved Me (1962), On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1963), You Only Live Twice (1964), The Man with the Golden Gun (1965), and Octopussy and The Living Daylights (1966) – another short story collection – later editions include the stories The Property of a Lady and 007 in New York.
The books were not a hit in America until President John F. Kennedy cited From Russia With Love as one of his favourite books. Sales of his books then sored in the USA.
Three movies were produced before Fleming died in 1965, Dr No, From Russia with Love and Goldfinger. All starring Sean Connery. To date 21 ‘Official’ Bond movies have been made, with the 22nd, The Quantum of Solace being released in late 2008.
Official James Bonds in order are Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig
