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  1. 'Historical Dictionary of Ian Fleming's James Bond' Coming In September

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-04-20

    A new book entitled Historical Dictionary of Ian Fleming’s James Bond by Nigel West is slated for release this September.

    Fusing together entries on Fleming’s famous secret agent and detailed information on cases of espionage, real-life spies, MI5, SIS, CIA, KGB, and others, Historical Dictionary of Ian Fleming’s James Bond asks the question: What proportion of Fleming’s output is authentic, and what comes directly from the his imagination?

    Historical Dictionary of Ian Fleming’s James Bond will be published in hardback by The Scarecrow Press on 28 September. Retailing for $80.00, the book can currently be pre-ordered online from Amazon.com.

    Ian Fleming

    Ian Fleming

    Twelve novels and nine short stories define one of the most extraordinary fictional characters of all time, creating the basis for the most successful movie series in cinematographic history, watched by more than half the world’s population. The single person probably more responsible than any other for glamorizing the murky world of espionage is Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, who himself lived a remarkable double life of spy and writer. Everyone has an opinion on why 007 became so successful, but one possible explanation is the ingenious formula of fact, fiction, and sheer fantasy. Certainly the author drew on friends and places he knew well to provide the backdrop for his drama, but what proportion of his output is authentic, and what comes directly from the author’s imagination?

    These questions and more are examined in the Historical Dictionary of Ian Fleming’s James Bond. This is done through a chronology, an introduction, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on actual cases of espionage, real-life spies, MI5, SIS, CIA, KGB, and others. It also contains entries on Ian Fleming’s novels and short stories, family and friends, his employers and colleagues, and other notable characters.

    Keep your eyes on the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest literary 007 coverage.