To tie in with the James Bond theme (whoops spoiler, that's next Facebook post but it hasn't been posted yet. Hahah. Anyway), we'll be examining in depth (I lie) watching the film before reading the book. A travesty I know! But I will admit that I have not read any James Bond but will be doing it soon.
JAMES BOND by IAN FLEMMING
I mean what can we say? Spectre has just come out - I've seen it! (and yes I had to close my eyes/put my cardigan on my head for some of it. I am kind of squeamish), the fourth Daniel Craig installment and does not dissapoint. Even though it's more than two hours it passes quite quickly - not to mention pokes a little bit of fun at itself in a few scenes.
It spans across...a few continents and I also managed to decide on my new haircut.
Anyway! Back to the books, Casino Royale, the first of the series was released in 1953 and very quickly rose to popularity with a number of others including Dr No, For Your Eyes Only and Gold Finger. I absolutely adore the covers of the Vintage series because of that kind of nod to days gone by (we have them here by the way).
I guess I can't really talk about the books when I haven't read them yet... which makes this post slightly defeated in purpose.
For the really hardcore fans, I have found an interesting article about the impacts on pop culture that Bond has had since its release. Check it out here.
Look, why don't I get back to you about these. Wishful thinking perhaps but let's hope that they are not terribly sexist and the like
Sometimes you do need to watch the film before reading, I can't believe that I just admitted that, because it grabs your attention at a superficial level and when you enjoy it enough you can pick up the nuances of the backstory so often present in the books.
Give us a call if you want to start your collection!
** Edit
Okay, I have since read two James Bond books - although not in order. They were Dr No and Thunderball. I will admit that I am a little torn. While I enjoy the spy/action stories and they are easy reads (I find, to get through in a day or two) it's annoying how blatantly racist and sexist he is! Yeah yeah it was of that era, I get that but now I suppose it's just how much do you want to read it versus how much can you take of his annoyingness. I'm glad that the movies are a lot more subtle and regular in this effect. Yes he is quite a 'ladies man' (ahem ahem) but at least in the films it's because he actually likes them - or believes he does. In the books they really come across as objects/naive and childlike so you can kind of take advantage of them but happen to be the 'perfect' balance of the experienced femme fatale and innocent girl. Argh. He also seems to just do it for the sake of sleeping with a new girl in each new book, I suppose that the films don't differ too much there but again - slightly more substance? But in terms of the stories, it's interesting to see them on paper in all their original glory. The books also reveal a lot more of his insecurities and fears. Many times has he thought he was going to die or that he'd 'had it!' (obviously not because there's another five books after that particular one) so it's interesting to see the person he is underneath. Kinda. Anyway, I suppose everyone has to read one at least once so give it a go! You can decide your own verdict.
Next series?? Sherlock Holmes! Yeah I know I haven't read it either...
JAMES BOND by IAN FLEMMING
I mean what can we say? Spectre has just come out - I've seen it! (and yes I had to close my eyes/put my cardigan on my head for some of it. I am kind of squeamish), the fourth Daniel Craig installment and does not dissapoint. Even though it's more than two hours it passes quite quickly - not to mention pokes a little bit of fun at itself in a few scenes.
It spans across...a few continents and I also managed to decide on my new haircut.
Anyway! Back to the books, Casino Royale, the first of the series was released in 1953 and very quickly rose to popularity with a number of others including Dr No, For Your Eyes Only and Gold Finger. I absolutely adore the covers of the Vintage series because of that kind of nod to days gone by (we have them here by the way).
I guess I can't really talk about the books when I haven't read them yet... which makes this post slightly defeated in purpose.
For the really hardcore fans, I have found an interesting article about the impacts on pop culture that Bond has had since its release. Check it out here.
Look, why don't I get back to you about these. Wishful thinking perhaps but let's hope that they are not terribly sexist and the like
Sometimes you do need to watch the film before reading, I can't believe that I just admitted that, because it grabs your attention at a superficial level and when you enjoy it enough you can pick up the nuances of the backstory so often present in the books.
Give us a call if you want to start your collection!
** Edit
Okay, I have since read two James Bond books - although not in order. They were Dr No and Thunderball. I will admit that I am a little torn. While I enjoy the spy/action stories and they are easy reads (I find, to get through in a day or two) it's annoying how blatantly racist and sexist he is! Yeah yeah it was of that era, I get that but now I suppose it's just how much do you want to read it versus how much can you take of his annoyingness. I'm glad that the movies are a lot more subtle and regular in this effect. Yes he is quite a 'ladies man' (ahem ahem) but at least in the films it's because he actually likes them - or believes he does. In the books they really come across as objects/naive and childlike so you can kind of take advantage of them but happen to be the 'perfect' balance of the experienced femme fatale and innocent girl. Argh. He also seems to just do it for the sake of sleeping with a new girl in each new book, I suppose that the films don't differ too much there but again - slightly more substance? But in terms of the stories, it's interesting to see them on paper in all their original glory. The books also reveal a lot more of his insecurities and fears. Many times has he thought he was going to die or that he'd 'had it!' (obviously not because there's another five books after that particular one) so it's interesting to see the person he is underneath. Kinda. Anyway, I suppose everyone has to read one at least once so give it a go! You can decide your own verdict.
Next series?? Sherlock Holmes! Yeah I know I haven't read it either...
‘Name:
Bond, James. Height: 183cm, weight: 76 kilograms; slim build; eyes:
blue; hair: black; scar down right cheek and on left shoulder; signs of
plastic surgery on back of right hand; all-round athlete; expert pistol
shot, boxer, knife-thrower; does not use disguises. Languages: French
and German. Smokes heavily (NB: special cigarettes with three gold
bands); vices: drink, but not to excess, and women. Not thought to
accept bribes.’
Ian Fleming, From Russia With Love
- See more at: http://www.ianfleming.com/james-bond-2/#sthash.bnqkydJt.dpuf
‘Name:
Bond, James. Height: 183cm, weight: 76 kilograms; slim build; eyes:
blue; hair: black; scar down right cheek and on left shoulder; signs of
plastic surgery on back of right hand; all-round athlete; expert pistol
shot, boxer, knife-thrower; does not use disguises. Languages: French
and German. Smokes heavily (NB: special cigarettes with three gold
bands); vices: drink, but not to excess, and women. Not thought to
accept bribes.’
Ian Fleming, From Russia With Love
- See more at: http://www.ianfleming.com/james-bond-2/#sthash.bnqkydJt.dpuf
‘Name:
Bond, James. Height: 183cm, weight: 76 kilograms; slim build; eyes:
blue; hair: black; scar down right cheek and on left shoulder; signs of
plastic surgery on back of right hand; all-round athlete; expert pistol
shot, boxer, knife-thrower; does not use disguises. Languages: French
and German. Smokes heavily (NB: special cigarettes with three gold
bands); vices: drink, but not to excess, and women. Not thought to
accept bribes.’
Ian Fleming, From Russia With Love
- See more at: http://www.ianfleming.com/james-bond-2/#sthash.bnqkydJt.dpuf
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