Other: Related 007 Books (1)

1) Bond on Bond - by Roger Moore with Gareth Owen

Published by: Michael O'Mara Books ( 2012 )

Not the first time that I've written a review months after reading - 9 months ! This 224 page book is released pre-Skyfall but the choice of photos within contain many not seen by this Bond book reviewer. The inside cover front & back has a square mosaic ( Andy Warhol style ) of 6 007 actors repeated within with normal square profile photos next to the title page with subtitle of The Ultimate Book - 50 Years of Bond Movies. The following 'Content' page lists each of 11 chapters, after the 'Introduction', are all Bond on ... theme e.g. girls, gadgets & cars. The final chapter .. on films is a poster section of all Eon movies with a brief credits & revenues included also spoof Casino Royale and Sean's Never Say Never Again. Lastly the usual 4 page index.

Sadly being 'long in the tooth' I remember a chat show appearance by Sir Roger on Jonathan Ross Show ( then on BBC1 ), at the end of the interview Wossy ( a big 007 fan ) offered him a Bond DVD, he politely declined with "I don't watch them anymore." So to write a book as a Bond movie expert, I now find surprising but Sir Roger does it in his own style & humour referring to James as 'Jim'. Moore tells many behind the scenes stories from his time as 007. He is ably assisted by Gareth Owen for research purposes.

There are sections within each chapter like 'Other Astons' and mentions "when Casino Royale hit the screens, we saw the new Aston Martin DBSV1 " with adjacent photo. True unfortunately it's a photo of the silver DB5 used outside the hotel. At the time Skyfall was in production so not really covered including the DB5 again.

In the book's opening it's mentioned "a royalty with be donated to UNICEF UK" for every sale of the £25 book. For me a definite sale buy ( due to limited funds Sir Roger ) but was happy to library borrow for this review of an interesting look at the world of 007, thanks mainly due to Moore's inside knowledge.

Update June 7, 2015: Moore tweets about "a new softback" version of the book perhaps with an update before SPECTRE's release.

2) Amazing & Extraordinary Facts: James Bond - by Michael Paterson

Published by: F & W Media International ( 2012 )

Discovered this small book ( 13cm x 18cm ) in the Blokes section of my local library, by the title it belongs to a series of books about different topics like Titanic and The Olympics. Published pre-Skyfall, there are no chapters instead the small continuous text is sectioned with headings & broken up by small paragraph Bond facts over the 135 pages. It opens with 4 pages of Contents, then a five & half page Introduction. Throughout the book there are b&w illustrations - the buildings are passable but the individuals ( authors/actors ) remind of photocopied photos with some drawn over outlined - one of the worst is author Raymond Benson - could be your fav uncle ! Other illustrations like a bowler hat, birthday cake or bikini to highlight a section are a joke like the cover. At the end there is a 2 page Role of honour - books & movies listings, then 2 page index and 2 pages of credits - pictures, info, acknowledgements & dedication.

Basically this writer is a researcher who has collected facts about our famous spy unfortunately either not interested or not bothered proof reading the book is littered with typos/errors, perhaps too many to mention but here are just a few ...

Gets 007 actor Pierce's name wrong on 2 occasions - the latter "one poll by the JBIFC found that Piers Brosnan was the most popular .."

Does not know that the famous Aston Martin was a DB5 throughout the book refers to as DBS even a drawing of the DBS which looks like DAD's Vanquish.

He looks at other tv & movie spies like UNCLE, we all know agent Illya Kuryakin, here he's Ilya Kuriakin.

Bond composer David Arnold "went on to score later movies TWINE, DAD & QOS", missing TND & CR ? When publishing unaware of Thomas Newman replacing him for Skyfall despite confirming Arnold here.

Has a paragraph headed PINK PANTHER about actor Bert Kwouk, mentions his YOLT appearance but totally forgets Burt's earlier role in Goldfinger.

At the end 'Keep Bond British' there is another example of photocopied drawing with American tv actor Tom Sellek, try Selleck.

This reference book is far from "amazing & extraordinary", perhaps interesting with common facts for Bond fans but priced at £9.99 suggest a library borrow for outside amusement as easy to carry due to size.

3) Ian Fleming's Commandos - by Nicholas Rankin

Published by: faber & faber ( 2011 )

A belated review of this 398 page book price at £20 which tells the true story of a unit of authorised looters, set up by Lt Commander Ian Fleming RNVR, who would steal enemy intelligence. They were called IAU ( Intelligence Assault Unit ) or better known as the 30 AU to be later disbanded in January 1946.

This well-researched historical book opens with abbreviations, acronyms & maps, also has a 19 page end index and 23 pages of acknowledgement/source notes. Within the 334 pages of narrative there is reference to Fleming's later Bond books. It covers all aspects of World War II history with Fleming fleeting in and out of the tale. It takes 138 pages just to get to 30 AU's first 'abortive' mission on 19 August, 1942.

At its centre is 8 pages of b&w photos - 1st of uniformed Fleming in Room 39 of Admiralty House as it looks at his relationship with Admiral John Godfrey ( later his basis for Bond's boss M ).The last photo page sees the author on the Dr No set talking with Sean Connery and below one with wife Ann at his holiday home of Goldeneye in Jamaica.

This author describes Fleming as "both drunken Smyth ( in short story Octopussy ) and young Bond, who like him lost his father. He can see himself in the present, as a decaying old sinner, and in the past, as a cleansing hero."

Confession didn't read all about the main subjects - the brave 30 AU but if you are a fan of WWII historical books then this one is for you.

4) James Bond in the 21st Century - Edited by Glen Yeffeth

Published by: Benbella Books ( 2006 )

"Class I would like you to write me an essay about James Bond." Yes this book drops in the media studies section, remembering years ago when doing my tv studies courses each week we would have access to a book box containing similar books like this one. Printed before the release of Casino Royale this softback contains 200 pages of essays by Bond experts ? Split into 4 sections: The Real James Bond, The James Bond Debate, How to Make James Bond Your Bitch & James Bond in the 21st Century. Each sections has three interludes with short items on: Drink Like Bond, Eat Like Bond & Dress Like Bond.

Bond novelist Raymond Benson opens looking at the cinematic Bond against his literary counterpart. Other experts are questionable as some write their piece from memory and make a few bloopers. Overall worth a read if you fancy a chance to agree or disagree with them then forget them. Thanks to co-editor Leah Wilson for the chance to read it early but sorry rather late with this review. Happy film studies !

5) James Bond The Man and His World - by Henry Chancellor

Published by: John Murray ( 2005 )

The full title continues The Official 007 Companion to Ian Fleming's Creation as the author enters the literary world of our famous spy. Inside the 250 page book, priced at £20 there is hardly any mention of the movies until page 226 or any related movie photos.

Despite covering familiar ground with Fleming's life & career, this is no light-weight coffee table book read. With historic illustrations from the archives which relate to the small text, each chapter is interrupted by a 2 page analysis of each book in chronological order starting with Casino Royale in 1953 and ending with Octopussy and The Living Daylights in 1966. The book analysis follows the same pattern of .. First line, Story, Last Line, Inspirations, What the readers said & What the critics said.

Other two page specials include Bond's adventures by year, looking at Fleming's choice of character names and a world map of Bond's journeys. The book ends with the usual Acknowledgements, Bibliography, Picture Credits & Index. If you enjoy Fleming's work, it is a well-researched book that you will return for future reference and reading.

So a good & helpful addition to your 007 library.

6) Bond Films - by Jim Smith & Stephen Lavington

Virgin Books ( 2002 )

I'm not sure if this 294 page book is part of an unmentioned publisher series with each page header following a page layout of top left of bond film and right of virgin film with a larger vertical side of BOND FILM and movie title.

The two authors explain in the introduction their method of categorising each film:

• Title
• Principal Cast
• Pre-Credits And Titles
• Summary
• Universal Exports
  • Bond, James Bond
  • M
  • Monneypenny
  • Major Boothroyd / Q
  • OHMSS
• Allies ( lists 007 helpers )
• The Opposition ( lists the bad guys/girls )
• Principal Casting
• Director And Crew
• Fashion Victims
• Set Pieces
• Positively Shocking
• Memorable Quotes
• Gadgets
• Culture Vulture
• In The Real World
• Source To Screen
• Musical Notes
• Box Office
• Awards
• Critics
• Cut Scenes
• Trivia
• Product Placement
• Martinis, Girls And Guns
• The One With ... ( not every film but some amusing e.g. The other fella [OHMSS] or The rock of Gibraltar, the milkman and the cello [TLD].
• The Last Word

As you see each film is given a through going over with about 15 pages of in-depth analysis and opinions - some you'll agree, others you will not. There are lesser pages for Casino Royale & NSNA and the latest DAD only gets 4 pages due to the finished product being unseen at the time of publishing.

Unlike other review books, this is not padded out with blank pages instead continuous pages with each film review ending with a small rectangle box of GIRLS, MARTINIS & DEATHS count. Interspersed between films are essays about different topics ( e.g. Continuity, Smoking and Saving The World ). The middle section has 8 pages of mixed photos in no order and most familiar. The book ends with an Appendix ( book listings etc. ) and a detailed Index.

Priced at £16.99 with it's uninspiring b&w montage cover and described on the rear as a "step-by-step companion to the James Bond Films" would prove handy to have around for reference purposes. It's the sort of book to look out for and purchase in a book sale shop. Still a good read with some different researched facts to reflect about our Mr Bond.

7) James Bond -The Legacy - by John Cork & Bruce Scivally

Published by: Boxtree ( 2002 )

Yes a late, late review originally costing £35 picked up for a bargain £10 in a local store and read back in early 2003 but alas never got round to reviewing. Who said - Size doesn't matter ? Weighing in over 5lbs this large ( 36cm x 26cm ) book has the 5 Bonds featured on the gold cover and offers 320 pages of 007 content which includes 12 main chapters plus foreword, introduction, appendices and end index & acknowledgments .. phew !

In his foreword Bond producer Michael G Wilson recalls his time with the Bond family & movie franchise ending "We created the films. You created the legacy." Followed by author Cork's intro which asks "How has James Bond changed this world ?" and ends "What would the world be like without James Bond ?" Assisted by co-author Scivally the book covers the creation of our superhero & the 40 year history of the Eon franchise. Despite their worthy efforts, much credit should go to the book designer as each large page allows scope for a different variety of interesting layouts using quality photos & movie stills - some getting the full page treatment ( e.g. left page chapter intro ). The right page opening chapter uses large text and has at the top a small right square photo montage. As you progress through the chapters a smaller version of the previous chapter intro photo appears e.g. Chapter 3 - 2 square photos.

Due to the mentioned size/weight it won't be a quick pick up like a normal 007 reference book despite at the 300 page stage you get pages of handy 007 information. The first James Bond: The Numbers has a breakdown of each film's box office, release date stats etc. ( excluding DAD as just released ). The next ..:The Adventures with a brief list of Bond literature followed by a category listing of the villain, sub-villain, villain's plot, Bond's women. Bond's allies, the Bond Team, Bond's gadgets and locations for each movie. The final ..: The Filmmakers section lists alphabetically cast & crew quotes over the years. Lastly there is an end index over 3 pages.

If you're looking for a quick read, this isn't it. Throughout the book, you have the usual large block quotes as you take a browse down Bond memory lane. Personally when read all those years ago, no pun intended I did find the book heavy going with historical event references ( text & photos ) which I found distracting. A worthy addition to the Bond library but now I've reviewed it, where do I finally put it ? No seriously where ? A heavy decision guys !

8) Martinis, Girls and Guns - Fifty Years of 007 - by Martin Sterling & Gary Morecambe

Published by: Robson Books ( 2002 )

The two authors covers 50 years of literary & movie Bond from Fleming creating our hero in January 1952 to the press launch of DAD in January 2002. For £16.95 you get a 352 page book with 15 chapters ( numbered 001 etc. ), an end 3 part Appendix, Bibliography & Index. Inside are 8 pages of b&w photos including Eon's former and existing London offices.

Having read many books about the history of 007, the narrative takes you over familiar ground with news highlights again covered and added authors' comments e.g. about Sean's NSNA: "Let's not be ambiguous: NSNA is simply dreadful." The book is well researched, compact but early narrative sometimes jumps back and forth which may be due to 2 authors.

An interesting section is the aforementioned Appendix, first co-author Gary ( son of comedian Eric ) Morecambe's conversation with Sir John Morgan, a friend of Fleming. The second has Sterling visiting the Pinewood set of TWINE ending with Bond star Pierce Brosnan making a cup of tea in his dressing room for the author. The final part called Words of Bondage has block quotes ( with no sources given ) starting with Fleming, his friend Raymond Chandler, all 5 screen Bonds and ending with producer Michael G Wilson.

If you've never read anything about the world of 007 which is very unlikely and are looking for a non-glossy approach, this text book maybe a good start as it saves time reading previous related books. For me not much new, so a library borrow or cheap sale buy.

9) James Bond The Secret World of 007 - by Alastair Dougall & Illustrator Roger Stewart

Published by: Dorling Kindersley ( 2000 )

The inside cover of this large 144 page book tells us that it is for "fans of all ages". With an emphasis on photos rather than text, this book could be seen as a prototype of the 007 Spy Files magazine with cut-out photos and detail drawings of Bond scenes.

This 2000 version, priced at a reasonable £12.99, covers 007's exploits from Dr No to TWINE. The illustrations by Roger Stewart are excellent, shame he has to make 007 look like Brosnan in early missions. His numbered art-work with occasional movie photo help us easily follow a memorable Bond scene.

With a red cover I was expecting the book to open "Tonight Commander James Bond of the British Secret Service ... This Is Your Life !" instead we get a foreword by M ( and accompanying page photo ) followed by the Bond Dossier starting with details and items about Bond with cut-out colour photos of Brosnan. This continues with his 'look' - examples of his tailoring, 'in love' - montage of his ladies ( nice smiling one of Miss Rigg ), his service MI6 - support personnel like M, Moneypeny & Tanner, next the 'Wizard of MI6' - Q, his 'world of spies' - Wai Lin, Tanaka etc. and lastly 'Supervillains' - mainly Blofeld.

The next section examines his Missions with 2 pages devoted to each movie's plot with photos, large cut-outs etc. and further pages of illustrations looking at certain aspects like a location ( GF's Operation Grand Slam ) or equipment like his cars or boats e.g. TWINE's stealth ship - showing the different levels of the craft with cut-away sections. Due to it's release there is a large section on TWINE. I compared the art-work of the TWINE's Q Boat and TSWLM's Atlantis with the aforementioned magazine. The book wins by miles for accuracy as Stewart's drawings try to convince us that these gadgets actually work when we really know that it was all done by movie special effects.

The final section looks at the Movies with an end opening caption joking "... To date, five actors have played James Bond. The real 007 has never disclosed which one he feels has captured him the best." Each movie has a short cast/credit listing with a cast member photo, a travelogue location photo and more cut-out photos. Even in the earlier Missions section it is difficult to find a photo of the first 4 007s - in FYEO a photo of Countess Lisl ( Pierce's late wife, Cassandra Harris ) appears with poor Roger cut off at his shirt shoulder !

Having seen numerous publications with the same movie stills I can't praise this book high enough for photo selection - many I hadn't seen before. Ending with a brief index, this should keep the "fans of all ages" happy until the next update. The connection with this book and 007 Spy Files is consultant Dave Worrall of the JBCC.