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22 May 2008 17:26 Africa/Lagos
Centenary Celebration for 007 Creator Ian Fleming
Major US Publications and Events Continue James Bond Legacy
Cunard Commemorates Centenary with Fall Trans-Atlantic Crossing
NEW YORK, May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Ian Fleming, the genius who created James Bond, was born 100 years ago on May 28. A year long program of events is underway to celebrate his life, his legacy as a writer, and the amazing impact that his fictional character has had all around the world. Information on all centenary projects in the US and UK can be found at: http://www.ianflemingcentenary.com/.
Fleming started writing as a young journalist at Reuters, where he learned to write fast and accurately. But it wasn't until 20 years later, at the age of 43, that he wrote his first novel, Casino Royale, and James Bond was born -- immediately followed by many memorable characters such as M, Miss Moneypenny, and grisly villains such as Blofeld and Dr. No.
Much of the inspiration for the characters and incidents in the Bond novels came from his experience at the Admiralty during World War II. Ian Fleming had been recruited in 1939 as personal assistant to the Director of Naval Intelligence, and remained in this post throughout the war, privy to many secrets and reaching the rank of Commander.
After the war, he joined the London Sunday Times and acquired a small plot of land in Jamaica, where he built his house, Goldeneye. There, he retained a deep love for the island and its people, and wrote the Bond novels, one a year until his death.
Today, over 100 million copies of the books have been sold and Fleming is regarded as a classic writer. All fourteen Bond titles are available from Penguin Books from Casino Royale (1953) to Octopussy & the Living Daylights (1966).
SPRING/SUMMER PUBLICATIONS:
Central to the centenary celebration and one of the most anticipated publishing events of the year is Devil May Care, the new James Bond book by Sebastian Faulks and published by Doubleday. With a worldwide release of May 28, the closely guarded plot promises all the glamour, thrills and excitement of a Bond adventure. Set in the Cold War, the new Bond adventure spans two continents, exotic locations and several of the world's most thrilling cities. A limited edition of Devil May Care bound in Bentley leather and containing a pewter replica of the car featured in the book will also be published on May 28. Only 300 copies of the limited edition will be produced worldwide, of which only 100 will be available for purchase in the US.
Thomas Dunne Books recently launched the first title in the The Moneypenny Diaries. Edited by Kate Westbrook, (aka Samantha Weinberg) the series follows the adventures of James Bond's right-hand woman, Miss Jane Moneypenny, and offers a unique female perspective on the world's best known secret agent. In a starred review, Booklist said, "Miss Moneypenny's diaries will delight American readers who still enjoy the mix of fantasy, adventure and comedy that made the Bond books such fun."
Last month, Disney Publishing Worldwide released the third title of the Young Bond series, Double or Die. This thrilling prequel to the James Bond dynasty shows young James as a schoolboy in the 1930s, where he spent his formative years. Acclaimed author Charlie Higson plants the seeds to show how young James learns the skills that will eventually make him history's most formidable and suave super spy.
Titan's stylish library collector's editions present the classic James Bond comic strips that were a feature of Britain's Express newspapers from the late 50s until the early 80s. With 13 volumes already available, this Centenary year will see the release of two brand new editions featuring stories never-before-seen in the United States -- James Bond: The Paradise Plot in July and James Bond: Polestar in November.
FALL CENTENARY EVENTS:
Nothing evokes the glamorous lifestyle of the world's favorite secret agent quite like a transatlantic journey. To honor the centenary, Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 will help celebrate with several Ian Fleming onboard offerings on the October 10-17 crossing. Departing from Southampton, UK, the special voyage will include 007-themed activities, an exhibit and a panel of guest authors, speakers, and experts. Details will be announced at a later date.
On October 18, Bond Bound: Ian Fleming and the Art of Cover Design opens at Bonhams in New York City. The exhibition will chart the role of artists and designers in creating and defining the Bond look over the last fifty years. The exhibition will also cover all Ian Fleming's other books, including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Thrilling Cities -- his collected travel journalism.
Source: Ian Fleming Productions Limited
CONTACT: Virginia Anagnos, +1-212-576-2700, x222,
virginia@goodmanmedia.com, or Sabrina Strauss, +1-212-576-2700 x236,
sstrauss@goodmanmedia.com, both of Goodman Media International, for Ian
Fleming Productions Limited
Web site: Centenary Celebration for 007 Creator Ian Fleming
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