Ian Fleming - James Bond s Creator
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Ian Fleming: The Creator of James Bond
Summary:
Ian Lancaster Fleming (1908-1964), renowned as the creator of the James Bond 007 novels, hailed from a prominent lineage with his grandfather being a Scottish banker and his father a Conservative Member of Parliament. His father’s untimely death in World War I had a lasting impact, with a will stipulation that his widow never remarry.
Article:
Ian Lancaster Fleming (1908-1964), famous for creating the James Bond 007 novels, was born into a notable family. His grandfather was a Scottish banker, and his father, a Conservative MP, died during World War I, leaving his estate to his wife under the condition she never remarry.
Fleming’s early life was marked by challenges. Expelled from Eton for a scandalous liaison, he also left Sandhurst without achieving officer rank due to curfew violations. His educational journey continued in Austria, Munich, and Geneva, where he studied languages, yet he faced setbacks, failing a Foreign Service exam and joining Reuters as a journalist. There, he successfully reported on a spy trial in Russia (1929-32).
Afterward, Fleming became a stockbroker at a British investment bank and lived in a converted temple in Belgravia, a fashionable London district, where he mingled with members of the Le Cercle Gastronomique et des Jeux de Hasard.
In 1939, Fleming took an assignment with The Times in Moscow, which served as a cover for his espionage work with the Foreign Office and later with Naval Intelligence, where he rose to the rank of Commander.
During World War II, Fleming worked from Room 39 in the Admiralty building in Whitehall, assisting Admiral John Godfrey. He played roles in operations like the Dieppe evacuation in 1940, smuggling King Zog out of Albania, and establishing the Office for Special Services, precursor to the CIA.
As commander of the 30th Assault Unit, Fleming occasionally operated behind enemy lines to secure important documents but primarily directed operations from London.
Post-war, Fleming settled in Jamaica, building his house, Goldeneye. He worked with the Kemsley newspaper group and spent winters on the island.
While waiting for the divorce of Lady Anne Rothermere, one of his loves, Fleming wrote "Casino Royale" in 1953 at the age of 44. It was the first of 12 James Bond thrillers, translated into 11 languages, and selling 18 million copies. Today, new writers continue the James Bond legacy.
In 1961, U.S. President John F. Kennedy listed a James Bond novel among his favorite reads. Many films were inspired by Fleming’s books, grossing over $1 billion. The 007 brand expanded into merchandise including toys, games, clothing, and toiletries.
Aside from the Bond novels, Fleming was known for nonfiction works like "The Diamond Smugglers" and his "Atticus" column in The Sunday Times, where he served as foreign manager (1945-49). He also explored children’s literature with "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" (1964), later adapted into a movie.
Ironically, in 1964, Fleming inherited a fortune from his mother when he was already wealthy but dying. A trip to her funeral possibly hastened his demise. His son tragically took his own life in 1975, and his wife passed away in 1981. Fleming left behind one enduring legacy: James Bond.
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