DVD collection: James Bond Ultimate Edition - Vol. 1 (The Man with the Golden Gun / Goldfinger / The World Is Not Enough / Diamonds Are Forever / The Living Daylights)

Ian Fleming (1908-1964)

Ian Fleming, author and journalist, chronicled the adventures of James Bond, agent 007, in 12 novels and 9 short stories. The Bond novels sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, and fostered a movie franchise that continues to this day.

His service in British naval intelligence in WWII provided the background for his novels, the first of which, Casino Royale introduced Agent 007 in 1953.

Spy story resources:

From NPR, a spy-obsessed librarian picks her favorites

In "Operation Spy Novel", Fred Kaplan reconsiders le Carre's Absolute Friends. [Slate 2/13/04]

The first modern spy novelist: "Eric Ambler and the invention of the spy novel." By Stephen Metcalf [Slate 5/25/06]

Top-grossing spy movies

Official CIA website, which offers a virtual tour of Langley headquarters.

England's MI5 website includes a history of its Thames House headquarters.