The Life of Ian Fleming (First Edition)

Privilege and nepotism appear to have gotten Fleming through life.

His Bond character was who he wanted to, but couldn't, be.

This work recounts many of the events Fleming later modified and embellished in the world of James Bond.

Flemings important, yet safe, role with British Naval Intelligence, gained in part through social connection, is well covered.

The writer is worth looking up for evidence of the nepotism I mentioned at the outset of this review.

On the one hand, this is a ripping yarn about how a daydreaming child managed to gain independent wealth through writing about who he wanted to be, drawing upon much of his own aloof personality and fantasies in combination with detail gleaned from eloquent observation of things he really had experienced.

On the other, this is testimony to the influence of the old boys network.

It's an interesting read.

I'd suggest a different title, perhaps Ian Fleming, A life of Privilege.