How Many James Bond Books Are There? The Definitive 007 Literary Canon

The definitive answer: there are 14 James Bond books written by Ian Fleming. However, the world of 007 literature extends far beyond Fleming’s original contributions. Including continuation novels, novelizations, and young Bond series, the total number skyrockets to well over 40 official James Bond books. Let’s dive into the details of this thrilling literary landscape.

Ian Fleming’s Original 007 Canon

Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, penned 12 novels and two short story collections featuring the iconic British secret agent. These form the bedrock of the Bond literary universe and remain the most highly regarded by purists.

Fleming’s Novels: The Core of the Legend

These are the novels that established Bond’s character, his missions, and his iconic style:

1. Casino Royale (1953)
2. Live and Let Die (1954)
3. Moonraker (1955)
4. Diamonds Are Forever (1956)
5. From Russia, with Love (1957)
6. Dr. No (1958)
7. Goldfinger (1959)
8. Thunderball (1961)
9. The Spy Who Loved Me (1962)
10. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1963)
11. You Only Live Twice (1964)
12. The Man with the Golden Gun (1965)

Fleming’s Short Story Collections: Bitesize Espionage

Fleming also gifted us with two collections of thrilling short stories that provide further insight into Bond’s world:

1. For Your Eyes Only (1960) – Contains five short stories: “From a View to a Kill,” “For Your Eyes Only,” “Quantum of Solace,” “Risico,” and “The Hildebrand Rarity.”
2. Octopussy and The Living Daylights (1966) – Contains three short stories: “Octopussy,” “The Living Daylights,” and “The Property of a Lady.” This was published posthumously.

The Post-Fleming Era: Continuation Novels

After Ian Fleming’s death in 1964, several authors have taken up the mantle of writing James Bond novels, ensuring the legacy of 007 continues for new generations. These are often referred to as “continuation novels.”

Kingsley Amis (as Robert Markham): A Singular Contribution

• Colonel Sun (1968) – Written under the pseudonym Robert Markham, this novel offered a solid, if somewhat different, take on Bond.

John Gardner: The 1980s Bond Renaissance

John Gardner penned a series of 14 James Bond novels between 1981 and 1996, bringing Bond into the contemporary Cold War landscape. These novels are known for their action-packed plots and modern sensibility.

Raymond Benson: A Transition to the Modern Era

Raymond Benson contributed six James Bond novels between 1996 and 2002, aiming for a closer style to Fleming’s original works while still embracing modern storytelling.

Sebastian Faulks: A Centenary Celebration

• Devil May Care (2008) – Written to commemorate Ian Fleming’s centenary, Faulks attempted to recapture the feel of the original novels.

Jeffery Deaver: A Modern Thriller Master

• Carte Blanche (2011) – Deaver reimagined Bond as a former Royal Naval Reserve officer involved in covert operations in the 21st century.

William Boyd: Historical Intrigue

• Solo (2013) – Boyd set his Bond novel in 1969, exploring themes of the Nigerian Civil War.

Anthony Horowitz: Staying True to the Source

Anthony Horowitz has written several Bond novels and short stories, notable for his rigorous adherence to Fleming’s style and timeline. His works include:

• Trigger Mortis (2015) – Set after the events of Goldfinger, incorporating unpublished material by Ian Fleming.
• Forever and a Day (2018) – A prequel to Casino Royale, exploring Bond’s first mission as a 00 agent.
• With a Mind to Kill (2022) – Set after The Man with the Golden Gun, this novel sees Bond accused of M’s murder.

Young Bond: The Teenage Years of 007

Charlie Higson and Steve Cole have explored Bond’s formative years in the Young Bond series. These novels provide a fascinating backstory to the man who would become James Bond.

Charlie Higson’s Young Bond Adventures

Higson penned five novels in the series:

1. SilverFin (2005)
2. Blood Fever (2006)
3. DoubleShot (2007)
4. Hurricane Gold (2007)
5. By Royal Command (2008)

Steve Cole’s Continuation of Young Bond

Cole added four more novels to the Young Bond series:

1. Shoot to Kill (2014)
2. Heads You Die (2016)
3. Strike Lightning (2016)
4. Red Nemesis (2017)

Novelizations: Bringing the Films to the Page

Several novelizations of James Bond films have been written, often offering additional details and perspectives not fully explored in the cinematic adaptations. These are typically considered separate from the main literary canon but are nonetheless part of the extended 007 universe.

James Bond FAQs: Unveiling the Secrets of the Literary 007

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the James Bond books, providing further clarification and insights into this literary phenomenon.

1. Which James Bond book is considered the best by Ian Fleming?

Fleming himself considered From Russia, with Love to be his best work.

2. Which James Bond book was Ian Fleming’s first?

Casino Royale, published in 1953, marked the debut of James Bond in the literary world.

3. Are all the James Bond books in chronological order?

While the novels are generally written in chronological order, there are some exceptions. You Only Live Twice and The Man with the Golden Gun are considered the last books in the series featuring the original Bond character arc as intended by Fleming. Anthony Horowitz has added prequels, exploring earlier missions.

4. Who owns the rights to the James Bond books?

Ian Fleming Publications Ltd. owns the literary copyright to Ian Fleming’s James Bond books.

5. What is the significance of the title “007”?

The “00” designation signifies a license to kill in the field, while the “7” is a code number assigned to Bond.

6. Are the James Bond books very different from the movies?

Yes, the books often delve deeper into Bond’s character and motivations, and the plots can significantly diverge from their film adaptations. The violence is often more understated and the focus is more on psychological tension.

7. Which author has written the most James Bond books after Ian Fleming?

John Gardner wrote the most continuation novels, with a total of fourteen.

8. Do the Young Bond books contradict the original Bond novels?

The Young Bond books aim to complement and expand upon the character’s backstory without directly contradicting the established canon. However, some liberties are taken for storytelling purposes.

9. Are there any James Bond comic books or graphic novels?

Yes, numerous comic book adaptations and original stories featuring James Bond have been published over the years by various publishers.

10. Is it worth reading the James Bond continuation novels?

Whether they are “worth” reading is subjective. Some readers appreciate the continuation novels for keeping the character alive and relevant, while others prefer to stick to Fleming’s original works. Authors like Horowitz are generally well-received for maintaining Fleming’s style.

11. What is the most controversial James Bond book?

The Spy Who Loved Me is often considered the most controversial due to its unusual narrative structure, told from the perspective of a woman who encounters Bond.

12. Where can I find a complete list of all James Bond books and short stories?

Numerous online resources, including fan sites and library catalogs, provide comprehensive lists of all official James Bond books, short stories, and novelizations. Websites like Goodreads and dedicated Bond fan pages are excellent starting points.

In conclusion, the literary world of James Bond is vast and varied, extending far beyond Ian Fleming’s original fourteen books. Whether you’re a purist or an avid fan of continuation novels and young Bond adventures, there’s plenty to explore in the thrilling world of 007. So, pick up a copy, settle in, and prepare for a license to read!