14 replies to this topic

[Mr Woodpigeon]

Just found on Amazon a book by Amis called The James Bond Dossier . What was this? Is it now out of print?

[Turn]

This was the first serious look at the literary Bond in depth and before Amis was tapped to write Colonel Sun. He breaks down the books into chapters on the girls, villains, etc. It's a good read.

[Qwerty]

Turn sums it up nicely. Definitely one to pick up if you're at all interested in the literary James Bond. It's usually pretty cheap (used) on amazon and eBay.

[Major Tallon]

I highly recommend this amusing, highly incisive essay into the literary James Bond from the author who would become the first continuation novelist. For example, Amis ponders what Bond's job really is and concludes that, if Bond's duties were fairly analyzed, Fleming would have titled his book "The Medium Grade Civil Servant Who Loved Me." For those who haven't read Fleming's books, this is a great introduction to the novels and the character of James Bond. For those of use who love the books, it offers a lot of insights as to why Bond continues to fascinate.

[Lazenby880]

It is a terrific source of reference with some *very* witty commentary from Mr Amis. I cannot recommend The James Bond Dossier highly enough.

[wattenscheid09]

...great book, although just a tad too clever for me; I honestly prefer O. F. Snellings "007 James Bond: A report" - more fun. See discussion Snelling vs. Amis further down.

[sharpshooter]

Good book. I found it in the university library and took it out for a read.

[Dell Deaton]

Just found on Amazon a book by Amis called The James Bond Dossier . What was this? Is it now out of print?

This is a very insightful and enjoyable read; I highly recommend it.

[Double-0-7]

I enjoy my copy of the Dossier, but agree with the earlier comment that Snelling's book is a little better.

If you see it for a good price - buy it and enjoy it!

[Guy Haines]

I endorse everything the members above have said about this book. Also, O F Snelling's book, referred to above, is worth a read too.

Also, if you obtain a copy of the Dossier with a dust jacket on, you'll recognise some of the original Richard Chopping images from the novels, combined together.

It's a good read from a distinguished author and obvious Fleming enthusiast.

[perdogg]

I wonder who owns the printing rights to both Col Sun? Does Ian Fleming Publication own the rights? I wish they would at least come out with an ebook/Kindle.

[Ren]

Copyright Glidrose Productions Ltd, 1968

[Dustin]

You can still get reasonably priced pre-owned copies. I recommend this as one of the very best works on the literary Bond of Ian Fleming. It puts a light on numerous aspects of the original books and deciphers their impact, effect and significance for the reader and - up to a point - the genre in general. It's so valuable in particular because the approach to the various elements of the Bond canon gives readers a tool for their own analysis without requiring them to agree with every single thesis Amis elaborates on. Your own observations may differ significantly from Amis, but his work nonetheless can help you nailing down what makes the originals work for you. It's also a tool for the deeper assessment of the continuations, particularly Amis own COLONEL SUN.

[MajorB]

Both the Snelling and Amis books are excellent. I've reread both several times, though not recently.

[perdogg]

I actually have found hardcopies of both The James Bond Dossier and 007: A Report for reasonable prices. The James Bond Dossier is a Jonathan Cape, with dustjacket and I aslo found 007: A Report with a dustjacket.