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Talk of the Devil: The Collected Writings of Ian Fleming ―Wartime Experiences, Espionage Reflections, and Travel Narratives from the Creator of James Bond
From the shores of Dieppe in 1942 to The Foreign Department in Kemsley House, from treasure hunting in Norfolk and fine dining in London to a golden typewriter in Jamaica, these are the writings of Ian Fleming. This collection of rarely-seen journalism spans Fleming’s career as an author, encompassing reviews for the Sunday Times, Second World War documents, travel journalism and his correspondence with Raymond Chandler and Geoffrey Boothroyd. It also includes newly-unearthed articles that have not been available for over half a century plus two very early works of fiction.
- GenresNonfictionAudiobook
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 27, 2025
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About the author
Ian Fleming
743 books3,376 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ian Lancaster Fleming was an English writer, best known for his postwar James Bond series of spy novels. Fleming came from a wealthy family connected to the merchant bank Robert Fleming & Co., and his father was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Henley from 1910 until his death on the Western Front in 1917. Educated at Eton, Sandhurst, and, briefly, the universities of Munich and Geneva, Fleming moved through several jobs before he started writing.
While working for Britain's Naval Intelligence Division during the Second World War, Fleming was involved in planning Operation Goldeneye and in the planning and oversight of two intelligence units: 30 Assault Unit and T-Force. He drew from his wartime service and his career as a journalist for much of the background, detail, and depth of his James Bond novels.
Fleming wrote his first Bond novel, Casino Royale, in 1952, at age 44. It was a success, and three print runs were commissioned to meet the demand. Eleven Bond novels and two collections of short stories followed between 1953 and 1966. The novels centre around James Bond, an officer in the Secret Intelligence Service, commonly known as MI6. Bond is also known by his code number, 007, and was a commander in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. The Bond stories rank among the best-selling series of fictional books of all time, having sold over 100 million copies worldwide. Fleming also wrote the children's story Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang and two works of non-fiction. In 2008, The Times ranked Fleming 14th on its list of "The 50 greatest British writers since 1945".
Fleming was married to Ann Fleming. She had divorced her husband, the 2nd Viscount Rothermere, because of her affair with the author. Fleming and Ann had a son, Caspar. Fleming was a heavy smoker and drinker for most of his life and succumbed to heart disease in 1964 at the age of 56. Two of his James Bond books were published posthumously; other writers have since produced Bond novels. Fleming's creation has appeared in film twenty-seven times, portrayed by six actors in the official film series.
Ian Lancaster Fleming was an English writer, best known for his postwar James Bond series of spy novels. Fleming came from a wealthy family connected to the merchant bank Robert Fleming & Co., and his father was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Henley from 1910 until his death on the Western Front in 1917. Educated at Eton, Sandhurst, and, briefly, the universities of Munich and Geneva, Fleming moved through several jobs before he started writing.
While working for Britain's Naval Intelligence Division during the Second World War, Fleming was involved in planning Operation Goldeneye and in the planning and oversight of two intelligence units: 30 Assault Unit and T-Force. He drew from his wartime service and his career as a journalist for much of the background, detail, and depth of his James Bond novels.
Fleming wrote his first Bond novel, Casino Royale, in 1952, at age 44. It was a success, and three print runs were commissioned to meet the demand. Eleven Bond novels and two collections of short stories followed between 1953 and 1966. The novels centre around James Bond, an officer in the Secret Intelligence Service, commonly known as MI6. Bond is also known by his code number, 007, and was a commander in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. The Bond stories rank among the best-selling series of fictional books of all time, having sold over 100 million copies worldwide. Fleming also wrote the children's story Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang and two works of non-fiction. In 2008, The Times ranked Fleming 14th on its list of "The 50 greatest British writers since 1945".
Fleming was married to Ann Fleming. She had divorced her husband, the 2nd Viscount Rothermere, because of her affair with the author. Fleming and Ann had a son, Caspar. Fleming was a heavy smoker and drinker for most of his life and succumbed to heart disease in 1964 at the age of 56. Two of his James Bond books were published posthumously; other writers have since produced Bond novels. Fleming's creation has appeared in film twenty-seven times, portrayed by six actors in the official film series.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 1, 2025
Here is a fascinating collection of factual writing from James Bond creator Ian Fleming. These works span quite a few decades & open with an excellent short story that Fleming wrote when he was just 19 years old.
Although I've read quite a few of these artices before there were still plenty of itens that were new to me. I especially enjoyed the letters between Fleming & Raymond Chandler and, of course, anything covering his time writing the James Bond novels.
Although I've read quite a few of these artices before there were still plenty of itens that were new to me. I especially enjoyed the letters between Fleming & Raymond Chandler and, of course, anything covering his time writing the James Bond novels.
June 17, 2025
Ian Fleming has always been very masterful at not committing what he calls "the gravest of sins" which is being boring. Even when going through his opinions on espionage and who was who in the business he still kept that observational dry wit he has become so famous for. His notes on his writing process alone makes this book very worth your time.
July 15, 2025
3.5
Knowing of this volume’s existence in the world of private limited edition books for many years, I’d long awaited its publication for the masses. It’s a collection of Fleming’s uncollected work – primarily for newspapers. Was it worth the wait? Well, I couldn’t answer that with a resounding Yes, but there’s enough here of interest to make the book worthwhile.
It’s unfortunate that things begin with the two weakest segments of the book – namely two unpublished short stories which in my humble opinion remained unpublished for good reason. If I did not know their author and were asked to take a guess as to who the creator was, not in a million years would I have guessed Ian Fleming. There is no sense of character, time and place, atmosphere, or tightness and conciseness of construction whatsoever. Sentences ramble on forever and interest soon vanishes.
The rest of the book is made up of articles mostly covering war exploits, news coverage and publishing, travel, treasure hunting, Jamaica, literature, golf, guns, cards, book reviews etc etc. Their interest will greatly depend on your own interest of the subject covered. For me, easily the best and liveliest segment is that on his relationship with the creator of Phillip Marlowe, Raymond Chandler. Fleming’s description of the man is Fleming at his concise best, it could be a character from one of his novels:-
He must have been a very good-looking man but the good, square face was puffy and unkempt with drink. In talking, he never ceased making ugly, Hapsburg lip grimaces while his head stretched away from you, looking along his right or left shoulder as if you had bad breath. When he did look at you he saw everything and remembered days later to criticise the tie or the shirt you had been wearing. Everything he said had authority and a strongly individual slant based on what one might describe as a Socialistic humanitarian view of the world.
Fleming’s treasure hunts and adventure trips (including one with pioneer underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau) also fascinate, with the writer's excited inner boy regularly coming through to lift them off the page. His observations and experiences in Jamaica are also enlightening and entertaining, as our pieces on the art of writing. Along with other writings here, his article ‘Nightmare Among The Mighty’ about his soon regretted decision to accept an invitation to play in a Pro-Am golf tournament also demonstrates he could write humorously – a quality largely missing from his Bond books:-
Apart from praying that the biggest thunderstorm in living memory would deluge the home counties on the following Sunday and Monday (It was a two-day contest), there was really nothing I could do about it. I am a nine handicap week-end golfer with a short, flat swing that has been likened to a housemaid sweeping under a bed. It’s a fast swing with reserves of fantastic acceleration in moments of stress.
Unfortunately there is a fair amount here that I found of no, or little interest. Fourteen pages on ‘The Guns of James Bond’ for example was, for me, a bore to get through; while some articles are simply too long for their content.
I have printed off over the years a little collection for myself of uncollected Fleming writings from the internet; I notice quite a few of these are not here. Other than his unpublished book (‘State of Excitement’) I am unsure how much uncollected Fleming there is; some of what’s available online is certainly of interest, at least as much as some of the selections here. Here’s just a few that can be Googled – ‘Pleasure Islands?’ (The Spectator, July 4th 1952); ‘The Deadly Tube, by Edward Young (Sunday Times book review, October 26th, 1952); ‘Questions of Colour’ (Times Literary Supplement book review of ‘Family & Colour In Jamaica’ by Fernando Henriques, January 1st, 1954); ‘The Sixth Continent Under The Sea’ (Sunday Times, June 26th 1955); ‘The Tragic Spy’ edited by Graham Greene and Hugh Greene book review (Sunday Times, November 17th, 1957). Yes, book reviews are very much of the moment the book came out, but the ones I include above contain more than just a review of the book involved. This could be rites issues, or dare I say an overly protective estate not wanting to stray into the murky waters of political correctness.
Regarding ‘State of Excitement’ – a book Ian Fleming wrote in 1960 about Kuwait. It was written on invitation from the Kuwait Oil Company, but the finished manuscript - which included some negative comment about the country - was never published. A copy exists outside of Kuwait in the University of Indiana. I know nothing about the expiry of rites, but I wonder if after 70 years it falls into public domain and can be published?
Back to ‘Talk of the Devil’ – I think it’s a book for staunch Fleming fans and aficionados, of which I am definitely one. The Bond books are the only books I constantly re-read. I was interested here, but hoped for more. Personally I’d leave the two short stories till last. I actually put the book away for a week after struggling through them! There is however much else here to enjoy...
Knowing of this volume’s existence in the world of private limited edition books for many years, I’d long awaited its publication for the masses. It’s a collection of Fleming’s uncollected work – primarily for newspapers. Was it worth the wait? Well, I couldn’t answer that with a resounding Yes, but there’s enough here of interest to make the book worthwhile.
It’s unfortunate that things begin with the two weakest segments of the book – namely two unpublished short stories which in my humble opinion remained unpublished for good reason. If I did not know their author and were asked to take a guess as to who the creator was, not in a million years would I have guessed Ian Fleming. There is no sense of character, time and place, atmosphere, or tightness and conciseness of construction whatsoever. Sentences ramble on forever and interest soon vanishes.
The rest of the book is made up of articles mostly covering war exploits, news coverage and publishing, travel, treasure hunting, Jamaica, literature, golf, guns, cards, book reviews etc etc. Their interest will greatly depend on your own interest of the subject covered. For me, easily the best and liveliest segment is that on his relationship with the creator of Phillip Marlowe, Raymond Chandler. Fleming’s description of the man is Fleming at his concise best, it could be a character from one of his novels:-
He must have been a very good-looking man but the good, square face was puffy and unkempt with drink. In talking, he never ceased making ugly, Hapsburg lip grimaces while his head stretched away from you, looking along his right or left shoulder as if you had bad breath. When he did look at you he saw everything and remembered days later to criticise the tie or the shirt you had been wearing. Everything he said had authority and a strongly individual slant based on what one might describe as a Socialistic humanitarian view of the world.
Fleming’s treasure hunts and adventure trips (including one with pioneer underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau) also fascinate, with the writer's excited inner boy regularly coming through to lift them off the page. His observations and experiences in Jamaica are also enlightening and entertaining, as our pieces on the art of writing. Along with other writings here, his article ‘Nightmare Among The Mighty’ about his soon regretted decision to accept an invitation to play in a Pro-Am golf tournament also demonstrates he could write humorously – a quality largely missing from his Bond books:-
Apart from praying that the biggest thunderstorm in living memory would deluge the home counties on the following Sunday and Monday (It was a two-day contest), there was really nothing I could do about it. I am a nine handicap week-end golfer with a short, flat swing that has been likened to a housemaid sweeping under a bed. It’s a fast swing with reserves of fantastic acceleration in moments of stress.
Unfortunately there is a fair amount here that I found of no, or little interest. Fourteen pages on ‘The Guns of James Bond’ for example was, for me, a bore to get through; while some articles are simply too long for their content.
I have printed off over the years a little collection for myself of uncollected Fleming writings from the internet; I notice quite a few of these are not here. Other than his unpublished book (‘State of Excitement’) I am unsure how much uncollected Fleming there is; some of what’s available online is certainly of interest, at least as much as some of the selections here. Here’s just a few that can be Googled – ‘Pleasure Islands?’ (The Spectator, July 4th 1952); ‘The Deadly Tube, by Edward Young (Sunday Times book review, October 26th, 1952); ‘Questions of Colour’ (Times Literary Supplement book review of ‘Family & Colour In Jamaica’ by Fernando Henriques, January 1st, 1954); ‘The Sixth Continent Under The Sea’ (Sunday Times, June 26th 1955); ‘The Tragic Spy’ edited by Graham Greene and Hugh Greene book review (Sunday Times, November 17th, 1957). Yes, book reviews are very much of the moment the book came out, but the ones I include above contain more than just a review of the book involved. This could be rites issues, or dare I say an overly protective estate not wanting to stray into the murky waters of political correctness.
Regarding ‘State of Excitement’ – a book Ian Fleming wrote in 1960 about Kuwait. It was written on invitation from the Kuwait Oil Company, but the finished manuscript - which included some negative comment about the country - was never published. A copy exists outside of Kuwait in the University of Indiana. I know nothing about the expiry of rites, but I wonder if after 70 years it falls into public domain and can be published?
Back to ‘Talk of the Devil’ – I think it’s a book for staunch Fleming fans and aficionados, of which I am definitely one. The Bond books are the only books I constantly re-read. I was interested here, but hoped for more. Personally I’d leave the two short stories till last. I actually put the book away for a week after struggling through them! There is however much else here to enjoy...
June 8, 2025
I have never read any of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels, but I have seen some of the movies. The Book "Talk of the Devil" was fascinating, featuring two short stories that I enjoyed, as well as numerous articles and experiences the author had during his lifetime.
I especially liked the section "On Travel and Treasure." During January and February each year, he would live in Jamaica, writing his novels.
He wrote many articles about Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas, focusing on the People, culture, and the wonders of the sea. All of them depict his "Adventures in the Sun."
All the other sections in the book were interesting and informative, delving into topics such as crime, espionage, World War II, writing, and other issues. The black-and-white photos included in the book provided insight into his life and highlighted the events unfolding in the world during his lifetime.
If you want to learn more about the mind of Ian Fleming, then this is the book for you. I would give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimer:
The publisher provided me with a complimentary copy of the book for my honest review, and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
I especially liked the section "On Travel and Treasure." During January and February each year, he would live in Jamaica, writing his novels.
He wrote many articles about Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas, focusing on the People, culture, and the wonders of the sea. All of them depict his "Adventures in the Sun."
All the other sections in the book were interesting and informative, delving into topics such as crime, espionage, World War II, writing, and other issues. The black-and-white photos included in the book provided insight into his life and highlighted the events unfolding in the world during his lifetime.
If you want to learn more about the mind of Ian Fleming, then this is the book for you. I would give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimer:
The publisher provided me with a complimentary copy of the book for my honest review, and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
July 3, 2025
To appreciate Talk of the Devil, you have to be a fan of Ian Fleming. The collection has expertly crafted short stories, articles, and essays. As a fellow 007 enthusiast, I particularly enjoy The Guns of James Bond, published in Sports Illustrated in March 1962 as 'James Bond's Hardware,' Bang Bang, Kiss Kiss: How I Came to Write Casino Royale, written in 1956, and Raymond Chandler, which recounts Fleming's friendship with the esteemed author, published in the London Magazine in December 1959.
In conclusion, Talk of the Devil offers an intriguing glimpse into Ian Fleming's writings that many readers may not have encountered before. I highly recommend it to fellow Fleming fans and all those who love the adventures of James Bond.
Find my full review at https://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com/....
In conclusion, Talk of the Devil offers an intriguing glimpse into Ian Fleming's writings that many readers may not have encountered before. I highly recommend it to fellow Fleming fans and all those who love the adventures of James Bond.
Find my full review at https://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com/....
December 12, 2025
It was very interesting to read some of these early works. The most interesting from before the war. Also in 1959,if he was Prime Minister, he would eliminate the combustion engine because of the carbon monoxide waste and create electric cars. The man was brilliant.
December 19, 2025
Excellent read providing a great insight to Ian Fleming as an individual and author! I know understand a lot more where certain titles for books and characters originated from. It takes you back to a world that seems so distant now. He published the first 007 novel 4 years before I was born!
January 13, 2026
As a moderate Bond fan I was intrigued, and the more I read the more I enjoyed it. Short pieces on a variety of subjects, well-written, humorous, and captivating. Inspired me to rewatch Bond, and to write.
August 5, 2025
Nobody does it better.
November 25, 2025
A wonderful collection of writing from the one of the 20th Centuries greatest writers. A joy that I wish we could have read together J——.
(November, 2025) 3.5/5
(November, 2025) 3.5/5
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews