But for what they are, for quick thrills and engrossing adventure, they’re unmatched. Of course, From Russia With Love isn’t going to compete intellectually with The Brothers Karamazov, and it’s worth noting that, being a product of ’50s Britain, the books tend to have a not-subtle tinge of racism, misogyny and general insensitivity.

It’s been a revelation and the James Bond we’ve been seeing on screen lately - moody, introspective, genuinely human - is getting closer and closer to Fleming’s original. Along the way there were also two Bond short story collections ( For Your Eyes Only and Octopussy and the Living Daylights), and he even took the time to pen Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for his only son. During his writing career, Ian Fleming produced 12 full-fledged Bond books beginning with Casino Royale in 1953 and ending with The Man With The Golden Gun, which was published in 1965, a year after Fleming succumbed to a heart attack. Having just recently finished the 14-book series, all I can say is that it’s been a revelation and the James Bond we’ve been seeing on screen lately - moody, introspective, genuinely human - is getting closer and closer to Fleming’s original.Īstute readers will have realized that through a catchy title and compelling introduction you’ve been roped into another “The books are so much better than the movies” opinion piece - but this is a point worth making for those of you whose only experience with the British secret agent is through Connery, Moore, Craig or, god forbid, Brosnan. Then, this June I decided to finally read the books and explore the genesis of my favorite secret agent. I love the Bond franchise I have ever since I first witnessed 007’s adventures on the big screen (it was Goldeneye - not the most auspicious start) and dove into the world of Aston Martin DB5s and shaken martinis. In an attempt to understand how such a study in averageness can breed a cultural phenomenon I’ve watched them all, watched them all again, watched the “edgy one” with George Lazenby, watched the new ones with Daniel Craig, even watched License to Kill twice - and License to Kill has all the intrigue and drama of Pauly Shore’s Bio-Dome. The James Bond films are a 59-year, 25-film franchise that until relatively recently has been drowning in mediocrity.

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