The best Bond series book in 20 years
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Perhaps the best book on James Bond in the cinema since Steven Jay Rubin's excellent 1983 long-out-of-print work THE JAMES BOND FILMS: A BEHIND THE SCENES HISTORY (any true fans Bible), this large format book covers the James Bond movies up until 2002's DIE ANOTHER DAY choosing to concentrate on some of the cultural and current events that helped shape the transformation of the character over his 40-year cinematic career.
With many rare and previously unseen photo's the authors show the depth of their research through the comprehensive coverage not only of the influences on the movies, but also coverage of the influence the movies (especially those of the 1960s) had on popular culture. Its an astoundingly comprehensive book and not one that can be lightly flipped through in one sitting. It's large scale makes it somewhat cumbersome but this handsome, elegant edition is so brimming with artwork and illustrations that its scale becomes a blessing, that can for the most part be forgiven.
It's in its different approach to THE JAMES BOND FILMS that LEGACY really makes an excellent companion piece. Whereas the previous work concentrated on the behind the scenes stories for each movie (as its sub-head suggests) this book encompasses influence and the movies in broad strokes. Obviously big fans of Bond themselves they offer few criticisms of the movies themselves and scarce information on the anecdotal information that Rubin supplies.
Overall a sumptuous, elegant edition on the James Bond series that belongs in the bookshelves of every self discerning 007 fans.
Now, here's hoping Rubin updates his book soon!
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James Bond - The Legacy
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This is THE book on Bond and it is not just a repeat of the films and their plots.The book works on two levels - firstly as the Bondology - the actors, actresses, locations ,dates, box office takings etc with information about how the Fleming books were turned into the films, how the actors/actresses were chosen, how the sets were designed as well as the the cars and the gadgets.
Secondly the book puts the Bond films into a 'historical' context and examines the impact they have had on the culture, fashion and art of the last 40 years. Ian Fleming would be amazed at the influence that his hero has had.
Rereading Fleming's books or books about the films is nostalgic with memories of school times when early Bond books were discussed and passed around surreptiously (these were the days when parents and teachers did not approve of such material!)and also viewing 'Dr No' for the first time at the cinema. 'Dr No' changed adventure/spy films for ever with its new style, classy women , cars and action scenes. There may be more media hype and expenditure now for a new Bond film but they were just as eagerly awaited after 'Dr No'. The book captures the excitement of the early struggles to start filming and explains the difficulties of getting the films made.
The book describes the historical and social context in which the films were made as well as the legal battles to protect the Bond image. The context is an aspect often overlooked and makes this book more than just another Bond book. It explains the challenges of the scriptwriters , who having run out of Fleming novels had to provide plots in tune with the times, no mean challenge with the end of the Cold War. The plots have often struck a chord of realism as evidenced by how upset the North Koreans were after 'Die Another Day'. John Cork and Bruce Scivally have done their homework and this book can be thoroughly recommended to all enthusiasts of Bond films and those who want to know the history of the films and the reasons why and how they came to play such a large part in popular culture.
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Double-o heaven
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Merry Christmas,007! It took me a while (partially based on a slammer review here) to dive into reading this swollen tome of a book. Did someone say "no content"? Must be a SPECTRE plant. There is more in the way of untold stories buried between the glossy pictures than I ever expected to read! This is choice inside scoop on Bond, James Bond. I am a bit of an anorak when it comes to 007, and I am quick to say, "been there, done that" with books peddling more random trivia and plot synops from Bond films. This, in contrast,is a totally fresh take on my favorite spy. Ever heard of the James Bond riotin Boston, USA? Neither had I! There are literally dozens of tales that haven't been peddled before, and considering the truckloads published on Bond, that impressed me.
I became a fan in the late 70s (I know, the Moore films don't quite hold up for me either), but this book wasn't written like I had never seen the films. I concentrates on how Bond became popular and why he's stayed popular.It is a great story, filled with real spies and oodles swish photos from the films.
Negatives? The writers go pretty light on some of the stinkers of the series. You get the feeling they were under MI6 orders not to let loose. (But then my sister goes ga-ga over Octopussy, so there's no accounting for taste.) Also, more expensive that an EasyJet flight to almost anywhere. Glad I have a generous wife! All in all, just the best book on Bond not written by Ian Fleming. If you like the Bond films, I recommend this.
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All presentation and no content
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Oh dear, what a missed opportunity. The world of James Bond is fast and exciting, filled with exotic locations, beautiful women and evil villans. "The James Bond Legacy: Forty Years of 007 Movies" is a slow and dusty review and should be sealed and locked away for another forty years. It really is a sad plod through an exciting past. The book is presented with large collection of quality photographs, but the prose? Oh dear, very dull. Save your pennies and buy, "The Essential Bond" Lee Pfeiffer & Dave Worrall, this will tell you things you need to know.
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007 "you know the rest......"
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Well this book goes on to prove that you don't!
A very well writtern definative work on the franchise but also a social history of the last forty years . The book serves as a useful reminder as to how the films very carefully reflected the feeling and moods of the last four decades.
The collection of photographs is stunning. Unusually unlike some of the other Bond books they have not just relied on the publicity photos from EON, UA or MGM. This together with the page layout and graphics makes this book a treat. I have convinced a number of my friends to buy this and think that it will appear in a number of Christimas stockings for both the old and new Bond fan.
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