Ian Fleming's James Bond: Annotations and Chronologies for Ian Fleming's Bond Stories (New Edition)

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Customer Reviews:

Required reading for any Ian Fleming/007 follower. [Posted on 2007-01-23]
Did you ever read a book and, when the author off-handedly throws in an expression or a reference to something obscure, wonder if it is a bit of fact or fiction? What does that foreign phrase translate to? What would be that monetary amount be at today's rates? Was there really a full moon on that day?
Well, Ian Fleming was well-known for being the master of detail when he wrote the 21 adventures of James Bond; and John Griswold has written what must be considered the absolute companion for the literary world of Secret Agent 007.
Mr. Griswold seems to have explored every possible detail of FlemingBond and has produced a table book that is both academic for the hardcore fan and, yet, entertaining for the novice that just wonders what all the fuss was, and still is, about Mr. Fleming's writings that made him one of the most famous authors of the 20th century (and, with the release of the latest motion picure heavily based on the first novel, a merit that now stems into the 21st century).
With researched detail that would rival Mr. Fleming, author John Griswold shows us that there is much more fact than fiction in the incredible world of James Bond. Full of surprises, the book is a labour of love that should be both informative and fun for anyone.
Nobody has done it better!

Essential Companion to Ian Fleming's Literary Work [Posted on 2007-01-31]
Now that the motion picture CASINO ROYALE with Daniel Craig as James Bond has been released and has been applauded as possibly the best Bond film to date, attention has finally returned to James Bond's creator and his literary body of work devoted to his hero. Ian Fleming's creation, James Bond, has virtually been replicated and re-interpreted in every medium from comics, motion pictures, action figures, cartoons, video games and the like. The only one true James Bond is that created in the writings of Ian Fleming. James Bond is a creation from the mind of Ian Fleming. Author John Griswold's "Ian Fleming's James Bond: Annotations and Chronologies for Ian Fleming's Bond Stories" is an in depth study of those writings and an objective look into the mind that created them. Author John Griswold's research is meticulously exhaustive, absolutely objective and thoroughly engrossing in every sense. Griswold's research of Fleming's writings and his objective use of that research to draw rationally based conclusions are reverently commendable. Author Griswold has no room for innuendo or speculation in his book. Ian Fleming created James Bond and the world he inhabited and it is a world based on a great deal of fact as indicated by author Griswold supported by his research. John Griswold's work is indeed an essential in-tandem book to keep within arm's reach when reading Fleming. You will undoubtedly see the value of this book the first time you refer to it and you will assuredly return many times to it.

Very Amateurish Presentation [Posted on 2007-03-23]
When I received this book in the mail I almost sent it back, because once I looked inside, I was shocked at the overall low quality of the presentation. While the content is good (though poorly organized, as one other reviewer noted), everything about the book, from the quality of the paper to the typeface looks like someone printed it on a home computer, purchased some fancy covers (the most professional part of the whole book), and wrapped them up and offered them for sale. Equally laughable - and clearly the most amateurish thing about the book - are that the author illustrated the section on each novel by drawing his own renditions of someone or something from the novel. And he's no professional artist, let me tell you. I kept the book though because it had some good information, but had I looked at it before I spent my $30, I would not have purchased it.

A Reference Must [Posted on 2007-10-24]
Other reviewers have commented on the layout and look of this volume, suggesting that it is unprofessional or unattractive. As someone who has authored niche market books on both Bond and Hitchcock, let me just say that it's a miracle such books are published at all. If they contain valuable information, as this one does, that's great for fans and more serious exegetes. If they happen to look great, too, well, that's a bonus. Mr. Griswold's book sits on my desk for immediate and accurate information about the Fleming Bond adventures. He has meticulously researched the novels and their arcana (and, boy, could Fleming heap on the arcana) and I couldn't begin to imagine how many hours he spent doing that. (Well, actually, I probably could.) If you are interested in digging deeper into Fleming's world, if you like trivia, if, you, like me, wish people would say, as Fleming did, "Casino ROYal" (not "royAL"), then you will like Mr. Griswold and his work. If you want a more superficial, "been there, done that" picture book, then, yes, look elsewhere. All in all, a worthwhile project. Well done, John.

James Bond Annotations [Posted on 2008-08-31]
I purchased this book as part of my research for a review of the James Bond series. This has been an excellent addition to my research. John Griswald has done all the heavy lifting. The exhaustive chronology is complete and accurate. I found the pictures of Bond and villains especially interesting. These drawings were commissined by the author from his own ideas of the characters and did not come through central casting.
The amount of detail and trivia, like the exact card play in the bridge game and baccarat is fascinating.
The book does not really add to literary review, but the book summaries are helpful. They do not give away the plot.
Overall a great book for the casual and serious Bond fan and reviewer.
NJN

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