Talk of the Devil: The Collected Writings of Ian Fleming ―Wartime Experiences, Espionage Reflections, and Travel Narratives from the Creator of James Bond

A fascinating literary collection of rarely seen journalism and other writings by Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond series.

Ian Fleming was best known for bringing to life the legendary character of James Bond, one of the most beloved and enduring icons of our time, but he was perhaps even more interesting than his creation. His career in Naval Intelligence and extensive travels around the world gave Fleming a keen eye and the authority to write on a wide range of topics beyond Bond’s adventures.

This collection contains a selection of journalism and other writings by Fleming, covering his wartime experiences, reflections on crime and espionage, and the process of writing his novels, among other topics. Readers will feel like they are right beside Fleming, immersed in his world as he works to meet the deadline for his next Bond novel, or participates in a mortifying golf tournament, or befriends an octopus in his beloved Jamaica. A black-and-white photo insert gives dimension to the man behind the myth, bringing life to his words and providing a unique glimpse into Fleming’s world.

This revealing collection of his own words paints a portrait of a man even more fascinating than his creation.

• Naval Intelligence Insights: Go beyond the fiction with Fleming’s own accounts of his career in intelligence, offering a glimpse into the real-world inspiration for 007.
• The Writing of James Bond: Learn about Fleming’s creative process as he works to meet a deadline for his next iconic novel from his beloved home in Jamaica.
• Wartime Journalism: Read firsthand accounts and sharp-eyed observations from Fleming’s extensive wartime experiences and global travels.
• A Life of Adventure: From mortifying golf tournaments to befriending an octopus, discover the personal stories and private moments of a truly remarkable life.

Ian Lancaster Fleming was born in London in 1908. His first job was at Reuters news agency, after which he worked briefly as a stockbroker before working in Naval Intelligence during World War Two. His first novel, Casino Royale, was published in 1953 and was an instant success. Fleming went on to write thirteen other Bond books as well as two works of nonfiction and the children’s classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The Bond books have earned praise from figures such as Raymond Chandler, who called Fleming “the most forceful and driving writer of thrillers in England” and President Kennedy, who named From Russia with Love as one of his favorite books. The books inspired a hugely successful series of film adaptations that began in 1962 with the release of Dr. No. He was married to Ann O'Neill, with whom he had a son, Caspar. He died in 1964.