James Bond

Ian Lancaster Fleming (1908-1964) was a British author, journalist, and naval intelligence officer. Fleming is best known for his James Bond series of spy novels. Born in London, Fleming was the son of Valentine Fleming, a wealthy banker and Member of Parliament. Fleming was educated at Eton College and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. After graduating, he worked as a stockbroker and then as a journalist for The Times. During World War II, Fleming served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He was assigned to the Naval Intelligence Division, where he helped to develop plans for Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy. After the war, Fleming left the navy and began writing full-time. His first James Bond novel, Casino Royale, was published in 1953 and was an immediate success. Fleming wrote a total of 14 James Bond novels and two short story collections before his death in 1964. The James Bond novels have sold more than 100 million copies worldwide and have been adapted into 25 films. Fleming's novels have been praised for their suspenseful plots, exotic settings, and memorable characters. Fleming has been awarded the Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger Award and the Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Award.