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James Bond: The Secret World of 007
A detailed photographic journey into the James Bond films, published with the assistance of their producers, includes dynamic stills from the movies, details on major characters, descriptions of high-tech Bond gadgets, and an updated biography of the master spy.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 27, 2026
Nice update to the more readily available Pierce Brosnan edition, featuring here both Brosnan's final "Die Another Day" (NOT included in the earlier book) and the first two Daniel Craig films. That said, even this edition is now 18 years old, and so lacks Craig's subsequent three outings...so we probably won't get those until a further update once the next Bond film (or two) comes out.
Still, a great overview of the whole series, told as if "from the actual MI6 files," (only the final chapter mentions the "authorized film versions" of these stories; as such, the main book itself has no pictures of Connery, Moore, Lazenby or Dalton). What it DOES have are nice plot summaries (which make the Moore films sounds way less stupid than they actually were*), as well as cool illustrated breakdowns of various vehicles and their gadgets, villain's lairs and memorable chases.
Some interesting miscellany, (i.e., mainly things I had forgotten):
• I forgot just how many bimbo scientists there were — Christmas Jones, Stacey Sutton — as well as other women with "problematic" names besides Pussy Galore: Molly Warmflash, Holly Goodhead, Xenia Onatopp, Chew Mee, Plenty O'Toole...
• I also forgot just how rape-y early Bond was, (specifically thinking Pussy and Solitaire...but probably others I don't recall?)
• And finally, also forgot how just about everyone around Bond dies — all women with whom he has one-nighters, pretty much all his MI6 accomplices, at least three other 00's...
• Best MacGuffin: the Solex Agitator
• Worst villain line: "prepare my Bath-O-Sub!"
• Was surprised how often the series reused actors: Charles Gray (both good guy & bad guy), Joe Don Baker (both good guy & bad guy), Maud Adams (lives once, killed once for helping Bond), Martine Beswick (ditto) — was there a shortage?
• That said, one PERFECT reuse was Chinese actress Tsai Chin, who showed up 37 years apart as both "Ling," the girl who beds (and helps "kill") Bond in the "You Only Live Twice" opener; and "Madame Wu," who plays cards with Bond and Le Chiffre in "Casino Royale"...I hereby propose the theory she is THE SAME CHARACTER in both films; an MI6 agent who works with Bond occasionally in supporting or surveillance roles!
Perfect addition to any Bond library, especially for anyone who grew up with the older, original films, and of course reflecting the usual DK high standards.
___________________________
* Since what I otherwise remembered about most of those stinkers was "something-something-underwater," "something-something-space," "something-something-Jaws," etc.; as well as can-never-unsee mental images of Bond in a clown costume, gorilla suit, and doing a Tarzan swing (complete with yell), but linked to no particular film.
(Blue enjoyed this one too!)
Still, a great overview of the whole series, told as if "from the actual MI6 files," (only the final chapter mentions the "authorized film versions" of these stories; as such, the main book itself has no pictures of Connery, Moore, Lazenby or Dalton). What it DOES have are nice plot summaries (which make the Moore films sounds way less stupid than they actually were*), as well as cool illustrated breakdowns of various vehicles and their gadgets, villain's lairs and memorable chases.
Some interesting miscellany, (i.e., mainly things I had forgotten):
• I forgot just how many bimbo scientists there were — Christmas Jones, Stacey Sutton — as well as other women with "problematic" names besides Pussy Galore: Molly Warmflash, Holly Goodhead, Xenia Onatopp, Chew Mee, Plenty O'Toole...
• I also forgot just how rape-y early Bond was, (specifically thinking Pussy and Solitaire...but probably others I don't recall?)
• And finally, also forgot how just about everyone around Bond dies — all women with whom he has one-nighters, pretty much all his MI6 accomplices, at least three other 00's...
• Best MacGuffin: the Solex Agitator
• Worst villain line: "prepare my Bath-O-Sub!"
• Was surprised how often the series reused actors: Charles Gray (both good guy & bad guy), Joe Don Baker (both good guy & bad guy), Maud Adams (lives once, killed once for helping Bond), Martine Beswick (ditto) — was there a shortage?
• That said, one PERFECT reuse was Chinese actress Tsai Chin, who showed up 37 years apart as both "Ling," the girl who beds (and helps "kill") Bond in the "You Only Live Twice" opener; and "Madame Wu," who plays cards with Bond and Le Chiffre in "Casino Royale"...I hereby propose the theory she is THE SAME CHARACTER in both films; an MI6 agent who works with Bond occasionally in supporting or surveillance roles!
Perfect addition to any Bond library, especially for anyone who grew up with the older, original films, and of course reflecting the usual DK high standards.
___________________________
* Since what I otherwise remembered about most of those stinkers was "something-something-underwater," "something-something-space," "something-something-Jaws," etc.; as well as can-never-unsee mental images of Bond in a clown costume, gorilla suit, and doing a Tarzan swing (complete with yell), but linked to no particular film.
(Blue enjoyed this one too!)
October 19, 2021
OK, so it's now a bit out-of-date - but, so what? An enjoyable book, ('possibly' more suited to our younger Bond fans), but enjoyable, nevertheless!
December 6, 2016
I totally forgot about this book. There were so many hours spent in my childhood living through these cross sections. Highly recommended for any old school Bond fans.
January 8, 2018
Well, this was an utter delight. Dorling Kindersley's format of large-scale, detailed drawings is ideal for the layout of a villain's lair, or a step-by-step walkthrough of a car chase.
Every gadget and stunt, no matter how ludicrous, is presented as cold, hard fact. Which, of course, it is.
(I love the convention of the film titles being code names for missions, by the way. Hmm, I think we'll file this one as 'The Spy Who Loved Me', that makes sense.)
If you've ever wanted to see Dr Warmflash's medical report on Bond, or a cutaway drawing of Q's ghetto blaster, get some.
Every gadget and stunt, no matter how ludicrous, is presented as cold, hard fact. Which, of course, it is.
(I love the convention of the film titles being code names for missions, by the way. Hmm, I think we'll file this one as 'The Spy Who Loved Me', that makes sense.)
If you've ever wanted to see Dr Warmflash's medical report on Bond, or a cutaway drawing of Q's ghetto blaster, get some.
June 10, 2019
A wonderful insight to all the Bond films!
July 27, 2021
This was in some ways, your typical DK entertainment guide that showed off props, characters, locations etc. In other ways though it was unique and creative. Structured as a newly revealed dossier on 007 and many of his past missions, it had the air of a confidential file as you were reading it.
There was an introduction written by M (Judi Dench), about the nature of the book and what it entailed, which I thought was neat. The remainder of the book was divided up into chapters such as Missions, Loves and other topics. Movie titles were used as code names for the missions Bond went on, which I thought was neat. Within each mission, character, gadgets, villain's and more were showcased.
Artwork, screencaps and drawings made up the bulk of the illustrations. One thing that struck me as odd was that, in 90% of the missions/movies discussed the actor playing Bond never appeared. There could be a two-four page spread talking about the film, and in all the illustrations Bond hardly ever appeared. You only saw the back of the actor's head, or saw him in profile, if he was there at all. The exception seemed to be Pierce Brosnan, he was featured prominently. It struck me as very odd to read a book about a character that almost never appeared in said book.
Overall though, this was a really entertaining look at the secret world of 007.
There was an introduction written by M (Judi Dench), about the nature of the book and what it entailed, which I thought was neat. The remainder of the book was divided up into chapters such as Missions, Loves and other topics. Movie titles were used as code names for the missions Bond went on, which I thought was neat. Within each mission, character, gadgets, villain's and more were showcased.
Artwork, screencaps and drawings made up the bulk of the illustrations. One thing that struck me as odd was that, in 90% of the missions/movies discussed the actor playing Bond never appeared. There could be a two-four page spread talking about the film, and in all the illustrations Bond hardly ever appeared. You only saw the back of the actor's head, or saw him in profile, if he was there at all. The exception seemed to be Pierce Brosnan, he was featured prominently. It struck me as very odd to read a book about a character that almost never appeared in said book.
Overall though, this was a really entertaining look at the secret world of 007.
September 15, 2022
This was sooooo unnecessarily lame! Where were the photos of, you know, James Bond? Fortunately there were a few of Daniel Craig toward the end but almost none of Sean Connery, Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, or Pierce Brosnan. How can you publish a picture book about James Bond that doesn't include pictures of James Bond? The other irritating thing was that most of the images of cars, gadgets, stunts, etc. were drawings rather than photos. What the heck? There must have been some sort of copyright issues here, because the absence of good photographs seems intentional. Did I mention it's lame?
As an aside, is there any make of automobile more consistently sexy than Aston Martin? **swoon**
As an aside, is there any make of automobile more consistently sexy than Aston Martin? **swoon**
March 28, 2025
Lots of lovely pictures and minimal text, covering all of the Bond films up to "The World Is Not Enough". Because Pierce Brosnan was the "current" James Bond, photos are carefully chosen to eliminate other actors in the role (though not in other roles that have been recast, like Moneypenny). Cutaway drawings of enemy bases and illustrated looks at many stunts and cars are also included. You won't learn much, but you'll enjoy the sights.
July 9, 2018
A great table side book to review as you watch the series of movies. These flicks take you around the world. For the die hard 007 fans this one gives you the data. if you want to study the cars, the weapons and bond girls-this one is for you.
February 1, 2024
enjoyable return to the films...just wish I had an updated version
February 27, 2025
I felt so badass reading this in class in Kindergarten
August 6, 2026
It’s a coffee table book about James Bond. An entertaining book about 007
March 14, 2012
OPINIA Z 7 STYCZNIA 2012
Rok po moim "bondowym przebudzeniu", w grudniu 2009 roku zakupiłem sobie na Allegro kolejną książkę do kolekcji. Miałem do wyboru polską lub angielską wersję, ale sądząc po cenie, ogonki w polskim języku są dużo warte. Tytuł polski to: "James Bond. Tajny Agent 007". Ograniczony budżet na hobby spowodował, że wybrałem wydanie angielskie.
Gdy paczka dotarła, zaskoczyła mnie wielkość, jak i wydawnictwo. Był to ślicznie opracowany album, który nie mieści mi się obok standardowych książek o Bondzie, z wydawnictwa Dorling Kindersley. Osoby urodzone w latach osiemdziesiątych/dziewięćdziesiątych, pamiętają zapewne serię albumów pod nazwą: "Patrzę, podziwiam, poznaję", z tego wydawnictwa. Każdy tom poświęcony był innemu tematowi, np.: ryby, owady, skamieniałości, taniec i ptaki. Ktoś jednak wpadł na pomysł, by stworzyć księgę ze świata 007, w ten sam sposób. 144 stronicową książkę kończę dopiero po dwóch latach, ponieważ na rynku pojawiła się nowa książka o Bondzie - Michała Grześka "James Bond. Szpieg, którego kochamy". A pisanie dwóch recenzji na raz z tej samej tematyki, może być zabójstwem dla autora i samym opinii.
Album jest pisany w taki sposób, by była pewność, że James Bond to prawdziwa postać. Książka została stworzona dzięki uprzejmości M i Q, którzy przekazali autorowi ważne informacje. Całość jest ubarwiona świetnymi zdjęciami oraz rysunkami Rogera Stewarta.
Mamy tutaj szczegółowy rysunek rąk doktora No, przekrój Disco Volante, dokładne zdjęcia i rysunki przedstawiające działanie Lotusa Esprit, rozrysowana akcja po akcji walka Bonda z Zorinem na moście Golden Gate itp.
Jedynym mankamentem jest to, że opisano wszystkie oficjalne filmy z Bondem..., ale tylko do 2000 roku! I to byłby najmniejszy problem, gdyby to była zamknięta książka. Ale za każdym razem, kiedy wydają następny film, aktualizowany jest też album. Mój kończy się na "Świat to za mało". Koszty takiej książki są duże i gdybym kupował po premierze każdego nowego filmu, nowszą wersję, równie dobrze zamiast je kupować, mógłbym zacząć palić mentolowe. Może przy okazji premiery "Skyfall" w październiku skuszę się.
Ktoś zapewne zasugerowałby, że to dziecinada. Miłośnik powiedziałby, że to wyłącznie dla fanów. Ale gdzie jest racjonalna granica między dziecinadą, a fanowstwem? Problem polega na tym, że wara od mojej dziecinady. Książka jest świetna!
http://majinfox.blogspot.com/
Rok po moim "bondowym przebudzeniu", w grudniu 2009 roku zakupiłem sobie na Allegro kolejną książkę do kolekcji. Miałem do wyboru polską lub angielską wersję, ale sądząc po cenie, ogonki w polskim języku są dużo warte. Tytuł polski to: "James Bond. Tajny Agent 007". Ograniczony budżet na hobby spowodował, że wybrałem wydanie angielskie.
Gdy paczka dotarła, zaskoczyła mnie wielkość, jak i wydawnictwo. Był to ślicznie opracowany album, który nie mieści mi się obok standardowych książek o Bondzie, z wydawnictwa Dorling Kindersley. Osoby urodzone w latach osiemdziesiątych/dziewięćdziesiątych, pamiętają zapewne serię albumów pod nazwą: "Patrzę, podziwiam, poznaję", z tego wydawnictwa. Każdy tom poświęcony był innemu tematowi, np.: ryby, owady, skamieniałości, taniec i ptaki. Ktoś jednak wpadł na pomysł, by stworzyć księgę ze świata 007, w ten sam sposób. 144 stronicową książkę kończę dopiero po dwóch latach, ponieważ na rynku pojawiła się nowa książka o Bondzie - Michała Grześka "James Bond. Szpieg, którego kochamy". A pisanie dwóch recenzji na raz z tej samej tematyki, może być zabójstwem dla autora i samym opinii.
Album jest pisany w taki sposób, by była pewność, że James Bond to prawdziwa postać. Książka została stworzona dzięki uprzejmości M i Q, którzy przekazali autorowi ważne informacje. Całość jest ubarwiona świetnymi zdjęciami oraz rysunkami Rogera Stewarta.
Mamy tutaj szczegółowy rysunek rąk doktora No, przekrój Disco Volante, dokładne zdjęcia i rysunki przedstawiające działanie Lotusa Esprit, rozrysowana akcja po akcji walka Bonda z Zorinem na moście Golden Gate itp.
Jedynym mankamentem jest to, że opisano wszystkie oficjalne filmy z Bondem..., ale tylko do 2000 roku! I to byłby najmniejszy problem, gdyby to była zamknięta książka. Ale za każdym razem, kiedy wydają następny film, aktualizowany jest też album. Mój kończy się na "Świat to za mało". Koszty takiej książki są duże i gdybym kupował po premierze każdego nowego filmu, nowszą wersję, równie dobrze zamiast je kupować, mógłbym zacząć palić mentolowe. Może przy okazji premiery "Skyfall" w październiku skuszę się.
Ktoś zapewne zasugerowałby, że to dziecinada. Miłośnik powiedziałby, że to wyłącznie dla fanów. Ale gdzie jest racjonalna granica między dziecinadą, a fanowstwem? Problem polega na tym, że wara od mojej dziecinady. Książka jest świetna!
http://majinfox.blogspot.com/
September 10, 2010
This book will be sure to intrest anyone who is a fan of 007. The book tells how many different gadgets and cars worked. Showing many many illustrations which DK books are known for. The book gives details about every mission from Dr. No, to The World is Not Enough. Providing insight to the storyline of each mission. I reccomend this book to anyone with a love for spys, 007, or just cool gadgets!
June 7, 2013
Magnificent. Wonderful pictures as well as detailed schematics for Gadgets, Cars and even enemy lairs. A+
July 22, 2014
Probably best spy book ever
February 21, 2016
A great guide for any James Bond superfan. Wish they could update this book to add Daniel Craig.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews