Ian Fleming
The Man behind James Bond

Sportsman, womanizer, naval commander, world traveler, and spy, the creator of the Cold Wars archetypal secret agent was infinitely more complex and interesting than his iconic fictional character, Agent 007. Flemings wide ranging and exciting life inevitably provided the plausible backdrop for his Bond novels. Highly regarded in British naval intelligence for his international contacts, he masterminded numerous top secret operations, including Golden Eye, which is uncovered here for the first time. He was also fundamental in shaping the prototype CIA. Two months before his wedding to Ann O'Neill, the widow of a friend with whom hed carried on a passionate affair for fifteen years, Fleming sat down to write his first book, Casino Royale, in order to soothe his nerves. Thus began the long line of Bond novels for which he would earn lasting fame.