Ian Fleming's James Bond: Annotations and Chronologies for
Ian Fleming's Bond Stories- by John Griswold (Authorhouse) (ISBN 1-4259-3100-6) It's a cultural
curiosity that some of the most in-depth analysis of Ian Fleming's life and career has come from
American writers who became smitten by the author's work when they were young boys. John Griswold's
updated edition to this previously issued volume is an impressive achievement. The title may get you
tongue-tied if you try to recite it after indulging in a few vodka Martinis, but this is probably the
most comprehensive analysis of Fleming's works ever undertaken. The phone-book sized edition presents
detailed analysis of virtually every aspect of every novel, right down to specific hands played during
card games. Painstakingly researched over a period of years, the book also features intriguing original
artwork by George Almond, a comprehensive glossary for every book and helpful maps and schematic
drawings. Griswold clearly wasn't aiming for a populist work, as this isn't a book you'd take to the
beach. However, it is a masterful example of an ambitious research project that has been superbly
realized.- Lee Pfeiffer