book cover of Ian Fleming
 

Ian Fleming

(1986)
The Man Behind James Bond
A non fiction book by

 
 
Library Journal
Fortunately, in reading this fascinating life of Fleming (LJ 6/1/96), British narrator Robert Whitfield exudes his own sophisticated charm to present interesting anecdotes about the celebrated author. Although the names James Bond and Ian Fleming are often interchangeable, Fleming's career as a newspaper correspondent and stockbroker and his passions for golfing, fishing, playing bridge, and collecting books are far from the life of 007. Here Fleming is characterized as handsome, moody, egotistical, and emotionally immature, among other things. In all, Fleming is as well drawn as any character Dickens could create of a well-born youth whose happy childhood in the Edwardian era consisted of a sophisticated country house and a Georgian mansion in London. The multifaceted man behind one of our cultural icons is successfully revealed. Recommended.Barbara Mann, Adelphi Univ., Garden City, NY

AudioFile - Glenn Hopp
A rich life story is matched with an ideal reader. Andrew Lycett's literate, well-researched biography of Ian Fleming whose string of James Bond novels capped an exciting life that included wartime service, espionage and love affairs is an absorbing account of one of the most fascinating figures of popular culture. Lycett's sure grasp of the Bond novels also allows him to refer to pertinent and familiar scenes that reflect Fleming's many travels and earlier experiences. Robert Whitfield narrates the text in clear, crisp BBC English. His brisk pace fits Lycett's trim, balanced sentences. Fleming loved privilege, and his life story is served well by a reader whose performance connotes a patrician equanimity and style. G.H. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine



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