Hitting the Jackpot

On the 70th anniversary of lan Fleming's first James Bond novel, Casino Royale, "the spy story to end all spy stories", Angeline Wilcox places her bets on 007

- Angeline Wilcox

There are some literary characters that seem to transcend the realms of fiction and become stars in their own right. Among them is Ian Fleming’s secret agent James Bond who, thanks to the success of his creator’s books, with sales exceeding 100 million, and the subsequent film adaptations, has become not only a British icon, but world famous.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the publication of the first Bond novel Casino Royale. It was published on 13 April 1953 by Jonathan Cape. The book finds 007 pitted against the Soviet agent Le Chiffre, and attempting to bankrupt him in the casino at the fictional French town of Royale-les-Eaux. All the essential hallmarks of Bond that we are now so familiar with are there including drama, exotic locations, ingenious gadgets, car chases and memorable characters. Casino Royale heralded the arrival of our hero in breathtaking style, and Fleming’s debut marked the start of a publishing and film sensation.

Since then, generations have been entertained and enthralled by Bond and the intoxicating mixture of adventure, glamour and escapism that the books and films provide. The author’s creative genius combined with his fast-paced narrative, filled with action and detail, works brilliantly. He paints a vivid picture of Bond and the world in which he operates. We know what he drinks, his weapon of choice, his car, what he smokes, and that he has a weakness for fine food, gambling and women.