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  • The James Bond Bedside Companion

  • By: Raymond Benson
  • Narrated by: Dan Bernard
  • Length: 16 hrs and 53 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (15 ratings)
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The James Bond Bedside Companion

By: Raymond Benson
Narrated by: Dan Bernard
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Summary

Here is the new audio edition of the classic 007 reference book from the 1980s, complete with a new Foreword by the author.

The James Bond Bedside Companion is an encyclopedic celebration of 007, who is still the world's most popular secret agent.

The only book to cover all aspects of the James Bond phenomenon in a single volume, it includes:

  • An intimate portrait of Ian Fleming as remembered by his friends and colleagues
  • A character study of James Bond - his background and early life, his clothing and other personal habits, his preferences in food and drink, his attitudes toward women and marriage
  • The by-products of Bondmania and the merchandising of 007
  • Detailed analyses of every James Bond novel by Ian Fleming, as well as those written by other authors through the 1980s
  • A critical look at the 007 film series - the producers, screenplays, directors, actors, soundtracks, and special effects
  • An Introduction written by Ernest Cuneo, perhaps Fleming's closest American friend
  • And enough facts, figures, and miscellaneous Bondian trivia to satisfy even the most ardent fan

About the author: Raymond Benson is the highly acclaimed author of 25 books, six original James Bond 007 novels, three film novelizations, three short stories, and two anthologies on Bond. He is a sought-after lecturer on film genres and history. Writing as David Michaels, Benson is a New York Times best-selling author, an Edgar Alan Poe Award nominee, and a Readers' Choice Award winner.

©1984 Raymond Benson (P)2012 David Wilson

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Seriously needing an update

This audio book is based on the revised 1988 edition so some 35 years of bond history is missing. However the critical discussions around Fleming’s work is strong. The book covers a good general history of James Bond up to the point. The reviews of the films however are probably far more subjective in their approach and it is clear that the author is not a fan of the Roger Moore era. The comparisons of the film to the book is admirable however the author does seem to air his frustration over the Felix Lieter onscreen portrayals on more than once.
Some of the entry feels overly relaxed and I’m not a huge fan of the “more on that later” as it feels overly familiar and slightly lazy.
I’m pleased however that Benson went on to write some Stella 007 novels.

Audio narration is ok, although I’m surprised there’s some retakes that have been left in and not edited out.

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