The Man With The Golden Typewriter - A Review

Man With The Golden Typewriter

Ian Fleming's James Bond Letters

edited by

Fergus Fleming

A Review

I like reading. I also like writing. It is rare that we get to see inside the life of a man who define much of the drama and thrills of the 20th century, but as we look at Ian Fleming’s letters and just enough editorial comment to help them make sense, this is exactly what we are able to do.  

Ian Fleming grew up in a childhood that left him deprived. He spent much of his life trying to fill his life with those things which were missing. This book is the story of his search - not a novel, not an essay, a series of letters which show his innermost thoughts and concerns.

As we follow the letters, presented in the same order his books were written, we see the literary politics that are a part of a major writer’s life - whether it be with publishers, bookstores, or media moguls. We see the negotiation that eventually leads to a best seller. And we see the emotions, the anguish, the satisfaction that follows the author as he makes tiny changes to accommodate the requests of reviewers and editors.

We also see the literary giants that Ian Fleming allowed to surround his life. Some are friends, some are critics - but the correspondence is interesting. The give and take is lively and active. Occasionally pieces are missing as the family has withheld some of the correspondence, but not as much as one might fear when first hearing about the missing documents.

The result is a book that is as dramatic, as interesting, and, at times, as intense, as the best books of fiction on a store’s shelves. Looking for a true story that will keep the reader involved as the author develops during his career.    

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.