Ian Fleming

Ian Lancaster Fleming was born in Green Street in London on 28th May 1908. He died, aged 56, on 12th August 1964 at Sandwich in Kent.

He was educated at Eton College and then abroad in Germany and Austria. After an early career at Reuters news agency, he became a stockbroker. During World War 2 he worked throughout as assistant to the Director of Naval Intelligence in the Admiralty in London, privy to many secrets.

Following the war he became foreign manager, in charge of foreign correspondents, for Kemsley newspapers, owners of the Sunday Times and other papers.

In 1952 he wrote his first thriller, Casino Royale, and introduced James Bond, agent 007 to the world. He published a further thirteen James Bond titles before his death at a relatively young age.

He married Anne Rothermere in 1952 and in August that year his only son, Caspar, was born. While convalescing from his first heart attack in 1962, he wrote a short story about a flying car for Caspar - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

What genre did Ian Fleming write in?

Fleming is best known for spy thrillers and crime fiction; he also wrote at least one children's story, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

What is Ian Fleming's most famous series?

The James Bond series. Fleming introduced Bond in Casino Royale (1952) and published that plus thirteen further Bond titles (14 Bond works in total).

Where should I start with Ian Fleming's books?

Begin with Casino Royale, Fleming's first James Bond novel published in 1952.

Did Fleming write notable works besides the James Bond books?

Yes. Notably he wrote Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, originally a short story for his son, which differs from his spy fiction.

Did Fleming's professional experience influence his writing?

Yes. His wartime role as assistant to the Director of Naval Intelligence and later journalism and foreign-management work informed his knowledge of espionage and international affairs, which influenced his spy novels.