What Bond reference book are you reading?

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  • goldenswissroyalegoldenswissroyale Switzerland
    Posts: 4,378
    Agent_99 wrote: »
    Just found out about this (from an aeromodelling website, because that's my life now).

    04261.jpg
    Motorlegenden - James Bond


    Looks like it has a satisfying amount of detail - and, of particular interest to me, 'descriptions of the most beautiful stretches of road from the films'.

    I won this book last week at a competition of our Fan Club. Layout and pictures are beautiful. The first chapter seems to be really informative (I've only read the DB5 part so far). He writes about 10 bond cars in the first part, how they were chosen and prepared for the movie and about their fate (how many replicas do exist, who is the owner today etc.)
    The other chapters (i.e. about stunt drivers) look a bit (too) short...
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 17,727
    MaxCasino wrote: »
    I just finished The James Bond Movies of the 1980s by Thomas A. Christie. Greatly enjoyed it, as it played off of the real world events at the time and how James Bond reacted to them. Now I’m onto The Definitive Story of You Only Live Twice: Fleming, Bond and Connery in Japan. I’m looking forward to seeing a non continuation novel (The Man with the Red Tattoo) get recognized. To think EON almost made it into a movie!

    Did they get that far? I always thought that was just an unfounded tabloid rumour that was denied by all involved, @MaxCasino?
  • MaxCasinoMaxCasino United States
    Posts: 4,047
    Dragonpol wrote: »
    MaxCasino wrote: »
    I just finished The James Bond Movies of the 1980s by Thomas A. Christie. Greatly enjoyed it, as it played off of the real world events at the time and how James Bond reacted to them. Now I’m onto The Definitive Story of You Only Live Twice: Fleming, Bond and Connery in Japan. I’m looking forward to seeing a non continuation novel (The Man with the Red Tattoo) get recognized. To think EON almost made it into a movie!

    Did they get that far? I always thought that was just an unfounded tabloid rumour that was denied by all involved, @MaxCasino?

    I’m not sure. I found the information on the James Bond wiki page.

    https://jamesbond.fandom.com/wiki/The_Man_with_the_Red_Tattoo
  • MaxCasinoMaxCasino United States
    Posts: 4,047
    MaxCasino wrote: »
    I just finished The James Bond Movies of the 1980s by Thomas A. Christie. Greatly enjoyed it, as it played off of the real world events at the time and how James Bond reacted to them. Now I’m onto The Definitive Story of You Only Live Twice: Fleming, Bond and Connery in Japan. I’m looking forward to seeing a non continuation novel (The Man with the Red Tattoo) get recognized. To think EON almost made it into a movie!

    Just finished You Only Live Twice. Enjoyable, almost to much information at times though. I wish that Graham Thomas would have included Dynamite Comics' Felix Leiter as it takes place in Japan, and was published in full at the time of the revision. Now onto The Many Facets of Diamonds are Forever!
  • Agent_99Agent_99 enjoys a spirited ride as much as the next girl
    Posts: 3,099
    I won this book last week at a competition of our Fan Club. Layout and pictures are beautiful. The first chapter seems to be really informative (I've only read the DB5 part so far). He writes about 10 bond cars in the first part, how they were chosen and prepared for the movie and about their fate (how many replicas do exist, who is the owner today etc.)
    The other chapters (i.e. about stunt drivers) look a bit (too) short...

    Thanks for the information, @goldenswissroyale! I'll add it to my wishlist :) I might struggle a bit with the German but I always enjoy learning new words.
  • goldenswissroyalegoldenswissroyale Switzerland
    Posts: 4,378
    Great to hear @Agent_99
  • marcmarc Universal Exports
    edited May 2020 Posts: 2,608
    With me, it's the other way round. I'm German and I'm reading the Moonraker novel in English now; this forum is also a great way for me to improve my flawed English.

    I also recently borrowed the following book ("science in James Bond") from the library and want to start reading it soon (hoping to learn a lot of 'Fun Facts'):
    514f9dELj1L._SX354_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg


  • goldenswissroyalegoldenswissroyale Switzerland
    Posts: 4,378
    @marc I never read a bond novel in english except Forever and a day. I understood it surprisingly well but I believe that Fleming is much harder to understand in detail (?). This forum is indeed great to improve my english. However, my vocabulary is still very narrow.
  • echoecho 007 in New York
    Posts: 5,921
    Just finished Roger Moore's diary of LALD.

    Was really surprised how much he mentions Harry and how little Cubby. My understanding prior to this book was that LALD was Cubby's baby and TMWTGG Harry's.

    Was it that Cubby was keeping his distance from Harry, or was Cubby busy with other things such as fighting off McClory? Surely it's not a coincidence that LALD is the first film since GF not to mention SPECTRE.

    I wonder what was really going on in the '70s behind the scenes with the producers.
  • marcmarc Universal Exports
    Posts: 2,608
    @marc I never read a bond novel in english except Forever and a day. I understood it surprisingly well but I believe that Fleming is much harder to understand in detail (?). This forum is indeed great to improve my english. However, my vocabulary is still very narrow.
    I haven`t noticed your vocabulary being narrow, `isch guet gsi` (in case you`re speaking Swiss German). Fortunately I don't have difficulties understanding Fleming although I have to guess quite many words from context, and I have to look up words like spades/clubs/diamonds in the card game, e.g.

    I found many really interesting passages there:
    "it was his [JB`s] ambition to have as little as possible in his banking account when he was killed, as, when he was depressed, he knew he would be, before the statutory age of forty-five. Eight years to go [...] At least eight tough assignments. Probably sixteen. Perhaps twenty-four. Too many."

    "he`d just have to wait for news from the only leak in the [MI6] building - the girls` rest-room, known to the impotent fury of the Security staff as `the powder-vine`" :--)

    "Bond knew that there was something alien and un-English about himself. He knew that he was a difficult man to cover up. Particularly in England. [...] He would never have a job to do in England. Outside the jurisdiction of the Service."

  • Posts: 1,879
    echo wrote: »
    Just finished Roger Moore's diary of LALD.

    Was really surprised how much he mentions Harry and how little Cubby. My understanding prior to this book was that LALD was Cubby's baby and TMWTGG Harry's.

    Was it that Cubby was keeping his distance from Harry, or was Cubby busy with other things such as fighting off McClory? Surely it's not a coincidence that LALD is the first film since GF not to mention SPECTRE.

    I wonder what was really going on in the '70s behind the scenes with the producers.

    Other way around - LALD was Harry's film. He was also lead on OHMSS and Cubby on DAF and again on TMWTGG. Notice in the book Moore recounts it's Harry who called him for the role and later Cubby even states he thought they were scraping the bottom of the barrel with him in the role, although once Cubby took sole control of the series they got to be great friends.
  • goldenswissroyalegoldenswissroyale Switzerland
    Posts: 4,378
    @marc Thanks for your answer. I'm indeed swiss german speaking. Your mentioned paragraphs are definitely interesting. I remeber the one about the girls` restroom.

    @echo and @BT3366. It's really interesting that the films with Harry as the "main boss" are the better films (OHMSS and LALD). However, TMWTGG was certainly more difficult to shoot than LALD due to the short time to shoot and the locations.
  • marcmarc Universal Exports
    Posts: 2,608
    I like Swiss German. My mum loves it so much she sometimes speaks it (or tries to, anyhow...).

    Some more samples of Fleming's writing style, this time referring to M (not in context to each other):

    " 'Could I have a dry Martini?[...] Made with Vodka [...]' - 'Rot-gut', commented M briefly"

    "The hint of [M's] criticism came from the Puritan and the Jesuit who live in all leaders of men"

    "[Bond] reflected that here at last was an interview with M that didn't cast a shadow"
  • MaxCasinoMaxCasino United States
    Posts: 4,047
    Just finished The Many Facets of Diamonds are Forever. Unique perspectives, don’t read Ian Fleming if you’re hungry or want to travel! Probably going to do Bond on Bond by Sir Roger Moore next.
  • Posts: 1,879
    MaxCasino wrote: »
    Just finished The Many Facets of Diamonds are Forever. Unique perspectives, don’t read Ian Fleming if you’re hungry or want to travel! Probably going to do Bond on Bond by Sir Roger Moore next.

    I'm curious. Was there anything that informative that it justifies the book price of $95 or $69 on Kindle? I realize it's got a limited audience and probably took a lot to get published, but I'd never reach deep into my pocket to pay for subject matter and wider discussion I could probably get the same out of a thread here.
  • MaxCasinoMaxCasino United States
    Posts: 4,047
    BT3366 wrote: »
    MaxCasino wrote: »
    Just finished The Many Facets of Diamonds are Forever. Unique perspectives, don’t read Ian Fleming if you’re hungry or want to travel! Probably going to do Bond on Bond by Sir Roger Moore next.

    I'm curious. Was there anything that informative that it justifies the book price of $95 or $69 on Kindle? I realize it's got a limited audience and probably took a lot to get published, but I'd never reach deep into my pocket to pay for subject matter and wider discussion I could probably get the same out of a thread here.

    It honestly read like a school book, at a college level. I think honestly, that who it was written for: us fans, and students going into literature and film. I enjoyed it for the most part though, it looks great in my James Bond collection.
  • edited May 2020 Posts: 2,887
    MaxCasino wrote: »
    Just finished The Many Facets of Diamonds are Forever. Unique perspectives, don’t read Ian Fleming if you’re hungry or want to travel!

    Glad you enjoyed it--I wrote the chapter on "The Eyes of Tiffany Case."
    BT3366 wrote: »
    I'm curious. Was there anything that informative that it justifies the book price of $95 or $69 on Kindle?

    No, that's the ridiculousness of academic publishers. They publish books that primarily bought by university libraries and other well-heeled academic organizations, so they jack up the prices. If you wish to read the book, I recommend using Worldcat to look for a copy in a library near you (if any are open) or using your local library's interlibrary loan service.

    Speaking of reference books, I have just received and begun reading Ian Fleming: the Notes by John Pearson. I'm 30-something pages in and already love it. Required reading for Fleming obsessives!

  • MaxCasinoMaxCasino United States
    Posts: 4,047
    MaxCasino wrote: »
    Just finished The Many Facets of Diamonds are Forever. Unique perspectives, don’t read Ian Fleming if you’re hungry or want to travel! Probably going to do Bond on Bond by Sir Roger Moore next.

    Just finished Bond on Bond, Roger Moore never failed to be charming yet truthful. Now I’m onto Nobody Does it Better: The Complete, Uncensored, Unauthorized Oral History of James Bond by Edward Gross and Mark A. Altman.
  • ggl007ggl007 www.archivo007.com Spain, España
    Posts: 2,535
    I don't know if this is a "reference book" or will become one:

    M6GuFS8.jpg

    It's about all that relates Ian Fleming and James Bond with Spain. From Goldeneye operation to Ana de Armas; from Goya in Dr. No to Javier Bardem; from Brosnan in Cádiz to "nos ganamos la lotería" in QOS...

    I'm one of the authors so I can't say much more, just check it for yourself ;)

    More info: www.007conexion.es
  • MaxCasinoMaxCasino United States
    Posts: 4,047
    ggl007 wrote: »
    I don't know if this is a "reference book" or will become one:

    M6GuFS8.jpg

    It's about all that relates Ian Fleming and James Bond with Spain. From Goldeneye operation to Ana de Armas; from Goya in Dr. No to Javier Bardem; from Brosnan in Cádiz to "nos ganamos la lotería" in QOS...

    I'm one of the authors so I can't say much more, just check it for yourself ;)

    More info: www.007conexion.es

    Will there be a English speaking version? I’m quite curious to read this.
  • ggl007ggl007 www.archivo007.com Spain, España
    Posts: 2,535
    MaxCasino wrote: »
    Will there be a English speaking version? I’m quite curious to read this.

    Thanks, @MaxCasino. Not planned for the moment...
  • DoctorNoDoctorNo USA-Maryland
    Posts: 754
    007InVT wrote: »
    Opinions on this?

    511hQGEBYBL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

    10/10... I only read a few chapters and have decided to read chapter by chapter after I read a Fleming book. If you’re a Fleming fan, I think it’s a must own.
  • w2bondw2bond is indeed a very rare breed
    Posts: 2,252
    Just bought the Dr No magazine...jeez it's expensive. But the content looks good enough to be worth it
  • Agent_99Agent_99 enjoys a spirited ride as much as the next girl
    Posts: 3,099
    DoctorNo wrote: »
    007InVT wrote: »
    Opinions on this?

    511hQGEBYBL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

    10/10... I only read a few chapters and have decided to read chapter by chapter after I read a Fleming book. If you’re a Fleming fan, I think it’s a must own.

    That's a beautiful-looking book. I'd buy it just to have on display, never mind the content.
  • Posts: 2,887
    Agent_99 wrote: »
    That's a beautiful-looking book. I'd buy it just to have on display, never mind the content.

    The interior is well-designed too. Chancellor had access to Fleming's archives, so the decorations include things like the menus he saved from foreign restaurants. Definitely worth purchasing!

  • Posts: 623
    I didn't even know the 'Man and His World' book existed, thanks for putting that up.
    I ordered it yesterday, thinking it was about the novels, but then I read it was mostly about the films, and I thought about cancelling, then I read it was based on Fleming's Bond, even though it included the films.
    But anyway, I'm looking forward to it. I think the cover is brilliant. When I saw it, I thought it was from 1965.
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 17,727
    shamanimal wrote: »
    I didn't even know the 'Man and His World' book existed, thanks for putting that up.
    I ordered it yesterday, thinking it was about the novels, but then I read it was mostly about the films, and I thought about cancelling, then I read it was based on Fleming's Bond, even though it included the films.
    But anyway, I'm looking forward to it. I think the cover is brilliant. When I saw it, I thought it was from 1965.

    No, it's all about Fleming and the Bond novels. You won't regret ordering it as Chancellor had access to the Fleming archives. Highly recommended!
  • Agent_99Agent_99 enjoys a spirited ride as much as the next girl
    Posts: 3,099
    Revelator wrote: »
    Agent_99 wrote: »
    That's a beautiful-looking book. I'd buy it just to have on display, never mind the content.

    The interior is well-designed too. Chancellor had access to Fleming's archives, so the decorations include things like the menus he saved from foreign restaurants. Definitely worth purchasing!

    Sold. I'm a sucker for an old restaurant menu and suchlike ephemera.
  • MaxCasinoMaxCasino United States
    edited June 2020 Posts: 4,047
    MaxCasino wrote: »
    MaxCasino wrote: »
    Just finished The Many Facets of Diamonds are Forever. Unique perspectives, don’t read Ian Fleming if you’re hungry or want to travel! Probably going to do Bond on Bond by Sir Roger Moore next.

    Just finished Bond on Bond, Roger Moore never failed to be charming yet truthful. Now I’m onto Nobody Does it Better: The Complete, Uncensored, Unauthorized Oral History of James Bond by Edward Gross and Mark A. Altman.

    Probably the best of the Bond reference books I’ve read so far. I didn’t realize Johnathon Pryce and Tanya Roberts were so difficult to work with. I love the interviews with everyone from the beginning to the current and future of the series. Highly recommended!

    Also, this week I’ll be getting 3 Bond reference books: Revisioning 007: James Bond and Casino Royale
    by Christoph Lindner, You Only Live Twice 50th Anniversary Guide to Japan and On the tracks of 007: Guide to Thailand: Revisiting the James Bond both by Martijn Mulder. If anyone’s read these please let me know!
  • Posts: 623
    Dragonpol wrote: »
    No, it's all about Fleming and the Bond novels. You won't regret ordering it as Chancellor had access to the Fleming archives. Highly recommended!

    Nice one, looking forward to it all the more. To me, James Bond is in the Fleming books, all the rest, the films, the continuation novels etc, are fun aspects of the real Bond.

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