James Bond

Hoagy Carmichael - 1947

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Sean Connery as James Bond at Switzerland 1964 (two thirds crop)

On Her Majesty's Secret Service (17) (Lazenby crop)

James Bond is a fictional character created by British journalist and novelist Ian Fleming in 1953. He is a Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) agent, also known as MI6, who holds the codename 007. The character has become an icon in British popular culture and has been adapted into one of the longest-running and most financially successful English-language film series to date, starting with Dr. No in 1962.

Creation and Inspiration

James Bond was created by Fleming at his Jamaica estate called Goldeneye during a period when he was involved in British naval intelligence. Fleming appropriated the name from American ornithologist James Bond, a Caribbean bird expert and author of the definitive field guide Birds of the West Indies. Fleming, a keen birdwatcher himself, had a copy of Bond's guide and he later explained to the ornithologist's wife that "It struck me that this brief, unromantic, Anglo-Saxon and yet very masculine name was just what I needed, and so a second James Bond was born".

Character

James Bond is characterized as a complex individual with a taste for luxury, including his preference for driving Aston Martin cars and drinking a martini "shaken, not stirred". He is known for his suave and sophisticated demeanor, physical prowess, and his use of high-tech gadgets to complete his missions. Bond's number, 007, indicates that he has a "license to kill" in the performance of his duties.

Literary Works

The James Bond series consists of 14 books, starting with Casino Royale (1953) and concluding with Octopussy and The Living Daylights (1966), a collection of short stories published posthumously. After Fleming's death, the series was continued by various authors, including John Gardner, Raymond Benson, and most recently, Anthony Horowitz.

Film Adaptations

The film series began with Dr. No, starring Sean Connery as James Bond. Connery's portrayal of Bond set the standard for future actors in the role. Following Connery, the character has been portrayed by George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig. Each actor brought their own interpretation to the character, contributing to the evolution of James Bond over the decades.

Cultural Impact

James Bond has had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing various spy and action genres in film and literature. The character has also been subject to analysis from a variety of perspectives, including his representation of British identity, masculinity, and the Cold War era. The franchise's longevity and success have made James Bond a symbol of enduring appeal and adaptability.

See Also

• List of James Bond novels and short stories
• List of James Bond films
• James Bond in video games
• Gadgets of James Bond