Synopsis
James Bond entered the world in 1953 with the novel Casino Royale by Ian
Fleming. Since then, the British secret agent codenamed 007 has become the
biggest media phenomenon of the modern age, surpassing and outlasting
previous cultural icons such as Sherlock Holmes, Tarzan and The Saint.
Bond has conquered all forms of media - from books, films and radio to
comic strips and video games - while inspiring a tidal wave of merchandise
and legion of imitators. Although the world has changed almost beyond
recognition since his debut, his continuing relevance is affirmed by the
multiple generations who have thrilled to his exploits. This book for the
first time provides the full enthralling story of how the espionage
fantasies of a rather melancholy journalist came to captivate the world.
It exposes the setbacks behind the triumphs, from Fleming's increasing
boredom with his own creation to regular crises over re-casting of the
cinematic Bond and legal battles in the 1990s that almost destroyed the
film franchise.With the help of Bond scholars, Fleming intimates, Bond
film crew and others, James Bond: The Secret History shows how the man
with the Licence to Kill overcame every hurdle to become the greatest
fantasy hero of all time.
About the author
SEAN EGAN has contributed to, among others, Billboard, Book Collector,
Classic Rock, Record Collector, Tennis World, Total Film, Uncut and
RollingStone.com. He has written or edited two dozen books, including
works on The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Clash, Manchester United,
Coronation Street, Tarzan and William Goldman. His critically acclaimed
novel Sick of Being Me was published in 2003, while his 2008 collection
of short stories Don't Mess with the Best carried cover endorsements
from Booker Prize winners Stanley Middleton and David Storey. His 2002
book Jimi Hendrix and the Making of 'Are You Experienced' was nominated
for an Award for Excellence in Historical Recorded Sound Research.