James Bond to go back to his vintage roots in new novel
The William Boyd-penned tale is set in 1969
By Kate Erbland Feb 20, 2013 2:40PM
Hot off the heels of the massive success of blockbuster "Skyfall," James Bond is set to return to a classic time period, thanks to a new book from William Boyd. The Wrap reports that a new novel based on Ian Fleming's classic character will hit shelves on September 26 in the United Kingdom with a North American release to follow in October.Bing: James Bond | William Boyd
As of now, both "the title and plot may remain a closely guarded secret," but we do know that the novel will "see a return to the classic Bond era, featuring a 45-year-old 007 in 1969." The Wrap posits that this news "suggests Bond is returning to the roots firmly planted by Fleming before his death in 1964," which seems like a fair and exciting possibility.
Fleming penned twelve Bond novels and two short story collections and, since his death, his tradition has been carried on by such authors as Kingsley Amis, Christopher Wood, John Gardner, Raymond Benson, Sebastian Faulks, and Jeffrey Deaver. This is Boyd's first crack at a Bond novel.
Do you want to read a vintage Bond story? Would you like to see a Bond film set in the 1960's, or are you more entertained by contemporary-set Bond?
8Comments
Feb 20, 2013 5:50PM
Bond was "the man" in the 1960's. So many rip-offs, but no one could compare. Fleming said that both he and Bond "had a tremendous appreciation for the worlds of the devil". Connery personified that in the 60's. PLEASE!! Let's go back there! Things were simpler. Bond could do things on his own, he didn't have to have a politically correct token female that was as smart/sophisticated/agile/etc as him. We knew who the bad guys were, and sex/alcohol/cigarettes weren't "too bad".
Feb 20, 2013 6:38PM
While I've enjoyed all the Bond movies (even the comedy Casino Royall and the one with the Australian actor), my favorite is From Russia With Love. Simply because it was the only one that didn't depend on a lot of gadgets to make it more thrilling. It was based on real cold war espionage. So, yes I would welcome one more authentic spy novel featuring 007, his Walther PPK and possibly some other real-type weapon of the era. I don't want it turned into an Austin Powers comedy.
Feb 20, 2013 6:54PM
Feb 27, 2013 8:14PM
Feb 21, 2013 12:59PM
Feb 20, 2013 10:41PM
The pinnacle of the Bond series were the stories set in the sixties and filmed as such. However, since the character and the environment have continued to be moved forward in time for the benefit of a younger audience, retreating to the 60's may romanticize the character for the reading audience but it may have devastating effects for the box office. Beyond that, the actors who have portrayed the character, have had the benefit of interpreting it to make it their own without major criticism. If a film is made directly paralleling the performance of another actor, comparisons of the performances will surely become the focus of any review. Much like the STAR TREK movie series, if the studio wants to relaunch the entire series, best to do so with a completely fresh group of actors and or actresses.
Feb 20, 2013 6:07PM
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