BENSON AND BOND

From 1997 to 2003 Raymond Benson wrote nine James Bond novels. He spoke to All About History about the influence of Ian Fleming, his favourite books and how he came to write Bond

How did you become involved in writing James Bond novels?

That’s a bit of a long story, but I’ll be brief! I wrote a non-fiction book in the early 1980s called The James Bond Bedside Companion. It was first published in the US in 1984. When

I did the research for it, I met members of Ian Fleming’s family, his business people, his friends and colleagues, and others. Peter Janson-smith, the man who was Fleming’s literary agent and chairman of the literary business (called Glidrose Publications at the time… now it’s called Ian Fleming Publications) liked the book, we became friends, and stayed in touch through the rest of the 80s and into the 90s. The book was published in the UK in 1988. Then, in late-1995,

Peter told me that current author John Gardner was retiring from the gig and Peter wanted to know if I might like to “give it a shot”. I had to come up with an outline for a novel on spec, which went through an approval process that involved Glidrose, the British publisher, and the American publisher. Once that was approved, I had to write the first four chapters with the same approval process. After that, I received the contract to move forward. I ended up writing six original novels and three film novelisations, plus a handful of short stories.

Were you influenced more by the books or films, or both equally?

Definitely the books, but one can’t help but be influenced by the films as well. When we began my tenure, there was a discussion of what direction I should take. It was ultimately decided that I should stay in sync with the current Pierce Brosnan films by keeping the books contemporary, make M a woman, and be more ‘cinematic’ in the writing. I wanted to be true to Fleming’s original character, though, with all his vices intact. They said, “Go for it,” and I did. Thus, my books are a blend of the literary Bond and the cinematic Bond, which is what all the parties involved wanted at the time.

Are there any particular ways in which you tried to emulate Fleming or use elements created by him?

I attempted to remain faithful to Fleming’s character. I was not required to try to copy Fleming’s writing style – who can? – but instead be true to the spirit of the original books.

Of the books you wrote, do you have a favourite, and if so why?

That’s like choosing between children! When pressed, I suppose I can point to what is called ‘The Union Trilogy’, which are three of the books that are interconnected: High Time to Kill, Doubleshot and Never Dream of Dying. Of the six I did, maybe these are the strongest in terms of characters, plots and locations.

As a writer, what do you think was Fleming’s biggest asset or skill?

It would certainly be his descriptive powers, something Kingsley Amis called “The Fleming Effect”. Fleming had a marvellous way with words. His descriptions of the underwater world are especially vivid.

Do you have a favourite Fleming Bond novel?

I love them all, but I usually give the nod to From Russia, With Love. Dr No is a close second.