Fleming, Ian (1908-1964), an English novelist, became one of the most popular authors of the mid-1900’s. He won fame for his creation of James Bond, a British secret service agent who attracts both danger and beautiful women in his series of fantastic adventures. The sophisticated Bond, also known by the code name 007, is the senior of three British agents who use a double-0 code number. The double-0 means that these agents are licensed to kill at their discretion.
Bond first appeared in Casino Royale (1953) and then in 11 other novels and two collections of short stories. The books attracted many types of readers. Diamonds Are Forever (1956) was a favorite of the more sophisticated readers, while Doctor No (1958) had a general appeal like the thrillers of the 1800’s. A popular series of movies based on the Bond novels helped spread the character’s fame. Fleming also wrote Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1964), a children’s story about an old racing car that could fly. After his death, the Bond series was continued by English author John Gardner.
Ian Lancaster Fleming was born in London on May 28, 1908. During World War II (1939-1945), he did espionage work as the personal assistant to the director of British Naval Intelligence. Fleming died on Aug. 12, 1964.
