Explore the world of James Bond like never before with Darker Than the Sun, a visually rich travelogue charting 007’s journey through six decades of espionage, glamor. and adventure.
Whether you're a lifelong Bond aficionado or a curious traveller drawn to the allure of exotic destinations, this book invites you to follow in the footsteps of the world’s most iconic secret agent. From the sun-drenched beaches of Jamaica to the icy peaks of the Swiss Alps, from the neon-lit streets of Bangkok to the grandeur of Venice and Istanbul, Darker Than the Sun charts the evolution of Bond’s cinematic geography.
Each chapter is dedicated to a single film from the series, presented in chronological order, and includes:
- Over 200 stunning photographs, including behind-the-scenes content, iconic film stills, never-before-seen images from crew members, and contemporary shots.
- Exclusive new interviews with Bond filmmakers, location scouts, and production designers, offering insider perspectives on how and why each destination was chosen.
- Global locator maps that trace Bond’s journeys across continents, highlighting both real and fictional settings.
- Feature maps that zoom in on key destinations, revealing how locations were transformed for the screen.
- Anecdotes that uncover the logistical challenges and creative decisions behind Bond’s most memorable moments.
- Historical and cultural context that explores how Bond’s locations reflect things like changing global politics, travel trends, and filmmaking techniques.
You’ll discover how Pinewood Studios became a stand-in for Venice, how a Jamaican bauxite mine doubled as Dr. No’s lair, and how a remote Thai island was transformed into the infamous hideout of Scaramanga. The book also explores the enduring impact of Bond on global tourism, with destinations like Piz Gloria and James Bond Island becoming iconic travel landmarks.
Drawing from Ian Fleming’s original novels, EON screenplays and decades of archival research, authors Matthew Field and Ajay Chowdhury bring their unparalleled Bond expertise to this definitive location compendium.
Whether you're planning your own 007-inspired adventure or simply want to relive the thrill of Bond’s most unforgettable missions, Darker Than the Sun is your passport to the ultimate cinematic journey. Matthew Field is the world's leading authority on The Italian Job. In 2009, he co-produced and directed a feature-length documentary about the film for Paramount Pictures. Field has written numerous books on cinema, including the autobiography of Oscar-winning film producer, Michael Deeley. Most recently he co-authored Some Kind Of Hero: The Remarkable Story of the James Bond Films. He has worked on feature films around the world producing behind-the-scenes marketing materials, and in 2019 completed work on Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again for Universal Pictures.
AJAY CHOWDHURY was born in London and read Law at university there and in The Netherlands. He has since provided legal advice on various motion picture, music, publishing, television and theatrical projects. He was the associate producer on two feature films, Lost Dogs and Flirting with Flamenco and served on the advisory board of Tongues On Fire - The London Asian Film Festival. Ajay is the spokesperson for The James Bond International Fan Club, established in 1979. He edited their James Bond journal, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and for the last two decades has contributed to numerous books and magazines on the James Bond legacy. He is regularly called upon by worldwide media to commentate on all things 007. He collaborated with Matthew Field on the 800 page biography of the franchise, SOME KIND OF HERO: The Remarkable Story of the James Bond Films published by The History Press last updated in 2018, Remembering Roger Moore (2018) and SEAN CONNERY: A JAMES BOND JOURNEY (2022) both special edition bookazine published by Mi6 Confidential.
