HomeArts & LifestyleJames Bond in print - revisiting The Folio Society's Ian Fleming collection

James Bond in print – revisiting The Folio Society’s Ian Fleming collection

You Only Live Twice (1964)

The Folio Society James Bond
© The Folio Society

Elements of the plot of Ian Fleming’s penultimate Bond novel made it into the most recent cinematic outing, ‘No Time To Die’, specifically the idea of the ‘Garden of Death’, and the final confrontation between Bond and the villainous Safin. Fleming had long held an interest in Japan, in which the story was set. In this novel, a grieving Bond is drinking heavily. Behind the scenes, Fleming was pleased by the success of the first two Bond movies, with the promise of more to come. However, his new-found celebrity was taking its toll, especially on his declining health. Fleming’s literary friend, Evelyn Waugh (whose novels include ‘Brideshead Revisited’ and ‘Black Mischief’), wrote an after-dinner speech for the overwhelmed Fleming to present to the Romantic Novelists’ Association. Sadly, Fleming would not recover his strength. He died from a heart attack on August 12th 1964 at the early age of 56, whilst he was staying in Kent. His final Bond novel had been completed at the time of his death, but it was to be published posthumously. Buy The Folio Society’s edition of Ian Fleming’s ‘You Only Live Twice‘.

Greg Jameson
Greg Jameson
Book editor, with an interest in cult TV.

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