Ian Fleming Publications have confirmed a big name author has been signed to write a new James Bond continuation novel due for 2008...

Big Name Author Confirmed For 2008 Novel
21st July 2006

A new original James Bond literary adventure is being planned for release in 2008 to coincide with the centenary of 007 novelist Ian Fleming's birth. Rights holders Ian Fleming Publication have confirmed a big name author has been signed.

Press Release
Ian Fleming Publications Ltd have commissioned a very well-known and highly respected author to write a new James Bond novel. The launch of the new book, which promises to be a major publishing event, will mark the centenary of Ian Fleming's birth in May 2008.

Corinne Turner of Ian Fleming Publications Ltd comments, "We are delighted to have secured this particular author who we have had in mind for some time now. He is the perfect writer for this project and we are greatly looking forward to his take on James Bond, in what we are convinced will be a stunning novel."

A publisher has not yet been sought and the identity of the author will be a closely guarded secret until publication.

Ian Fleming, whose one hundredth birthday will be celebrated on the 28th May 2008, gained worldwide acclaim for his most famous literary creation - the suave but deadly British secret agent, James Bond.

The Bond novels are, however, just one aspect of a fascinating life that combined the flamboyant elements of 007 with a unique creativity. Fleming was not only a novelist, but also a journalist, sportsman, naval commander, traveller, intelligence officer and bon-viveur.

2008 will be dedicated to a broad range of events and publications designed to celebrate the life of this literary legend and to examine his legacy. The programme includes a major exhibition featuring never-before-seen material. Further events will reflect Fleming's passions and experiences in the worlds of art, literature, journalism, sport, motoring and travel.

Corinne Turner adds, "The Ian Fleming Centenary presents an exciting opportunity to celebrate an extraordinary life. Our centenary plans are well underway and we are sure that there are more possibilities still to be explored."

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MI6 first revealed back in March 2005 that a new series of continuation novels was likely to be in the pipeline following comments from Young Bond author Charlie Higson in an exclusive interview.

Ian Fleming published a total of 14 novels (two of which were short story collections), starting with "Casino Royale" in 1953 and ending with "Octopussy and The Living Daylights" published posthumously in 1966. Following Fleming Continuation novels of Fleming's series have fluctuated since his death in 1964. Established author Kingsley Amis wrote the first continuation adventure "Colonel Sun" under the pen name of Robert Markham in 1968. Screenwriter Christopher Wood then produced literary adventures based on his movie productions of "James Bond, the Spy Who Loved Me" in 1977 and "James Bond and Moonraker" in 1979 - both well up to par. A long break then ensued until mystery writer John Gardner took up the official job in 1981 with "Licence Renewed" and produced an astonishing 14 novels and 2 movie novelisations in a 15 year period. James Bond fan turned writer Raymond Benson was the last continuation author, publishing his first 007 novel "Zero Minus Ten" in 1997, and went on to produce a further 5 novels and 3 movie novelisations up until 2002.

Above: First edition artwork for "Casino Royale" in 1953.

Back In Control
The controlling share of Fleming's estate was bought back by his family in 1997 from Glidrose, 33 years after the author sold 51% to the Booker Group. This allowed the group to move forwards with new projects and maximize the the brand.

The last official continuation novel "The Man With The Red Tattoo" written by Raymond Benson was published in 2002. Benson announced he was moving on to other projects after handing in his licence to thrill in February 2003. Weeks passed without official comment until a press release from IFP in May 2003 - which although intended to read well to Bond fans - actually came off as a childish and patronizing statement, saying that future projects were being explored.

Nothing but silence was heard from the literary domain until 5th April 2004 when Charlie Higson was announced as the new writer - but not for an adult continuation series. Instead, IFP launched a new series of children's books exploring the character's teenage years.

Original Bond
Commentators over the years have said that many fans of the movies who have yet to read a Fleming adventure would not recognize the original literary hero. As with many of the recent IFP projects, they remain committed to maintaining the conceptual integrity of Fleming's creation wherever possible. Zoe Watkins said: "The literary Bond is something we want to focus on and any work would have to be in keeping with the literary aspects of the books. If it was successful there could be scope for further novels."

Literary History By The Numbers

James Bond Authors	First Published	Last Published	Novels	Novelisations
Ian Fleming	1953	1966	14	0
Kingsley Amis	1968	1968	1	0
Christopher Wood	1977	1979	0	2
John Gardner	1981	1995	14	3
Raymond Benson	1997	2002	6	3