Ian Fleming writes with a kind of pushing, bloodcurdling elegance. His thrillers are models of fastidious murder
New York Times
Fleming is splendid; he stops at nothing
New Statesman
Entertaining and revealing
The Times
Constantly entertaining ... still so much here to amuse and inform ... But it is Fleming's replies to his ... Read morepicky readers that supply the most fun ... The most sobering and self-effacing appraisal of Fleming's achievements emerges from his correspondence with Raymond Chandler, to which Fergus Fleming devotes a brilliant chapter
Observer
It has great appeal ... These friendly, knockabout letters are a treat, although the steely eyed attention of the editors makes it difficult to go back to the Bond books with a straight face ... Writing to fans and friends, Fleming is modest, quick-witted and able to stand at substantial ironic distance from the books he refers to as opuscula
Sunday Telegraph
To anyone who has ever worked on a book - writing one, editing one, marketing one, publishing one - or, heck, even just read one, this volume is a giant stalk of catnip ... Irresistible... Fergus Fleming, Ian's nephew and an author in his own right, writes the introduction and serves as the collection's Jeeves throughout, providing his services when droll and illuminating context is required but otherwise quietly stepping out of the way
New York Times
A revelation ... The letters are full of good jokes ... Interesting and entertaining
Nicholas Lezard
Guardian
If Bond was Fleming's carbon copy, then this book is the photographic negative of the novels ... Edited and elaborated upon by his nephew Fergus, this book collates those letters, painting a fascinating portrait of Bond's creator, revealing a man of keen wit and charm ... they progress in tandem with the Bond saga, offering insight into his bestselling series
Gentleman's Journal
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