What do you think?
Rate this book
James Bond - Extended Series
For Your Eyes Only
Book by Macintyre, Ben
256 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2008
123 people are currently reading
1426 people want to read
About the author
Ben Macintyre
38 books4,226 followersBen Macintyre is a writer-at-large for The Times (U.K.) and the bestselling author of The Spy and the Traitor, A Spy Among Friends, Double Cross, Operation Mincemeat, Agent Zigzag, and Rogue Heroes, among other books. Macintyre has also written and presented BBC documentaries of his work.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 29, 2025
I enjoy reading about James Bond and it was nice to get a bit of background behind Fleming and his life. I can’t get over just how much of a difference it made to be upper-class in Britain. The only reason Fleming got Bond published was because he knew some people. Likewise with all his prior jobs. Crazy stuff.
In terms of content, it was interesting, and a chill read but not anything truly insightful and compelling, unlike the SAS book. I think the ‘Superspy Science: Science, Death and Tech in the World of James Bond’ is FAR better.
There were also some weird bits where Macintyre was trying to be funny or something and it just felt odd and cringe. “Half a century from now we will all still be watching James Bond. And so will the fish. As long as they are British fish. And male.” Sorry did a miss something here?! This whole section was odd tbh because it was talking about how British men exclusively are number one fans etc (I guess could be true idk) but there were no evidence over this and it felt like he was saying women can’t appreciate/ like James Bond plots?? Idk it was a weird one…
In terms of content, it was interesting, and a chill read but not anything truly insightful and compelling, unlike the SAS book. I think the ‘Superspy Science: Science, Death and Tech in the World of James Bond’ is FAR better.
There were also some weird bits where Macintyre was trying to be funny or something and it just felt odd and cringe. “Half a century from now we will all still be watching James Bond. And so will the fish. As long as they are British fish. And male.” Sorry did a miss something here?! This whole section was odd tbh because it was talking about how British men exclusively are number one fans etc (I guess could be true idk) but there were no evidence over this and it felt like he was saying women can’t appreciate/ like James Bond plots?? Idk it was a weird one…
September 14, 2018
Before reviewing the book you must come to peace with the fact that it takes me a long time to get through a book these days. There are just too many other things going on. That being said, I kept coming back for more. So that should tell you something about the book without me saying anything else.
There are many books written about Bond's creator. This one, published on the centenary of his birth, is one of the few that seamlessly combines his biography, his writing, and the films. In "For Your Eyes Only", Ben Macintyre illustrates the many places where the true story of Ian Fleming ends and the fictional world of James Bond begins; it's sometimes hard to distinguish the two.
Macintyre looks at the actual people on whom the writer based his fictional creations—friends, colleagues, lovers, and even the villains. Exploring the tradition of spy fiction past and present, with specific attention to the Cold War, Macintyre explains how Bond was based on the realities—and fantasies—of Fleming’s life as a wartime spymaster. The book is wonderfully illustrated; there are tons of gadgets, costumes, props, and storyboards from the films as well as memorabilia from Fleming’s personal archive: his smoking jacket, the manuscript for Casino Royale, his golden typewriter, his guns, and much more. The book is a fascinating look in to the life of a writer whose influence continues to reverberate in the world of books, films, and popular culture in general.
There are many books written about Bond's creator. This one, published on the centenary of his birth, is one of the few that seamlessly combines his biography, his writing, and the films. In "For Your Eyes Only", Ben Macintyre illustrates the many places where the true story of Ian Fleming ends and the fictional world of James Bond begins; it's sometimes hard to distinguish the two.
Macintyre looks at the actual people on whom the writer based his fictional creations—friends, colleagues, lovers, and even the villains. Exploring the tradition of spy fiction past and present, with specific attention to the Cold War, Macintyre explains how Bond was based on the realities—and fantasies—of Fleming’s life as a wartime spymaster. The book is wonderfully illustrated; there are tons of gadgets, costumes, props, and storyboards from the films as well as memorabilia from Fleming’s personal archive: his smoking jacket, the manuscript for Casino Royale, his golden typewriter, his guns, and much more. The book is a fascinating look in to the life of a writer whose influence continues to reverberate in the world of books, films, and popular culture in general.
September 12, 2025
An interesting insight into Ian Fleming and of course James Bond. Well worth reading .
October 13, 2025
I was right (and I like being right!) in thinking that if anyone could make me even consider picking up a James Bond book, that would be Ben Macintyre. 😃 (And yes, I'm kind of considering picking up one or three here and there, though I'm not exactly in a hurry.)
A great little book that -as BM himself writes- is neither really a biography of Ian Fleming, nor of James Bond, but a story about where their ways intersect.
Oh... and I also learned a (for me) new word: stud muffin. ;)
More thoughts to come.
A great little book that -as BM himself writes- is neither really a biography of Ian Fleming, nor of James Bond, but a story about where their ways intersect.
Oh... and I also learned a (for me) new word: stud muffin. ;)
More thoughts to come.
May 21, 2016
Another great book by Ben McIntyre. Lots of suggestions about persons the Bond characters may be based on as well as a lot of background about Fleming's writing and the postwar situation in London that would make these adventures so appealing. He explains that his book is not so much a biography as a story about the intersection of the lives of Ian Fleming and James Bond. Liked it very much.
November 18, 2022
A fitting biography of Ian Fleming, creator of 007..."...Bond...James Bond...", an icon of British life, even after 60+ years since 'Dr No' first hit the bookshops. Fleming was a complex character & his own life was lived in ths shadow of his father, Major Valentine Fleming, who died in the fields of Flanders in 1917 when Ian, his second son was a mere boy.
In the Second World War, Ian Fleming worked extensively in naval intelligence at the Admiralty, dreaming up hare-brained schemes to hit the enemy where it hurt, with under-cover & clandestine operations at sea & on land. Most were shelved but some of his literary talents as a writer of espionage novels were forged in this relatively remote office in 'boy's own' Whitehall. So many of his relatives, close friends, loyal colleagues, bitter rivals & even shrugging, shagged-out ex-lovers (Pussy Galore?!), were brought back to vivid life in his lively, somewhat exaggerated comic-book characters over 13 Bond novels...& 'Chitty, Chitty Bang-Bang'!...(Truly Scrumptious?!)
Fleming even lifted their names - or near approximations! - from his memory files as a mark of his his respect & affection. Amongst his friends & confidantes were Somerset Maugham, Noel Coward & Jacques Cousteau, & his bed-post was well-notched with a host of...'hostesses'?...women who found him to be good company over a cocktail for a week or two!
The model for dashing but ruthless James Bond was clearly a rich amalgam of Fleming himself & a myriad of other role models for the cold-blooded British spy with a licence to kill...bed women willy-nilly!...& enjoy a variety of alcoholic - and other more culinary! - pick-me-ups...not all scrambled, shaken but not stirred!
The book, issued on the centenary of Fleming's birth in 2008, is well-illustrated & enlightens readers as to the depth of his research & the clear understanding that British pseudo-sovereignty over large parts of the world was in steep decline following the costly privations of two world wars. His brilliant answer to our flagging self-respect was to introduce a gentleman's club of characters, full of grit & determination, but fighting a losing battle against new powers, both east & west of the Greenwich meridian.
Millions of readers over 60 years have devoured the entertaining blend of 'could be...but maybe not...' thriller-fiction & frustrated British male fantasies that Bond girls are real & that 007 will always come through with a Union Jack fluttering over his...well...imagine!
In the Second World War, Ian Fleming worked extensively in naval intelligence at the Admiralty, dreaming up hare-brained schemes to hit the enemy where it hurt, with under-cover & clandestine operations at sea & on land. Most were shelved but some of his literary talents as a writer of espionage novels were forged in this relatively remote office in 'boy's own' Whitehall. So many of his relatives, close friends, loyal colleagues, bitter rivals & even shrugging, shagged-out ex-lovers (Pussy Galore?!), were brought back to vivid life in his lively, somewhat exaggerated comic-book characters over 13 Bond novels...& 'Chitty, Chitty Bang-Bang'!...(Truly Scrumptious?!)
Fleming even lifted their names - or near approximations! - from his memory files as a mark of his his respect & affection. Amongst his friends & confidantes were Somerset Maugham, Noel Coward & Jacques Cousteau, & his bed-post was well-notched with a host of...'hostesses'?...women who found him to be good company over a cocktail for a week or two!
The model for dashing but ruthless James Bond was clearly a rich amalgam of Fleming himself & a myriad of other role models for the cold-blooded British spy with a licence to kill...bed women willy-nilly!...& enjoy a variety of alcoholic - and other more culinary! - pick-me-ups...not all scrambled, shaken but not stirred!
The book, issued on the centenary of Fleming's birth in 2008, is well-illustrated & enlightens readers as to the depth of his research & the clear understanding that British pseudo-sovereignty over large parts of the world was in steep decline following the costly privations of two world wars. His brilliant answer to our flagging self-respect was to introduce a gentleman's club of characters, full of grit & determination, but fighting a losing battle against new powers, both east & west of the Greenwich meridian.
Millions of readers over 60 years have devoured the entertaining blend of 'could be...but maybe not...' thriller-fiction & frustrated British male fantasies that Bond girls are real & that 007 will always come through with a Union Jack fluttering over his...well...imagine!
September 8, 2024
This is only the second of Ben Macintyre's books I've read (the first being the mind-blowing The Spy and the Traitor), but For Your Eyes Only is insightful and well-paced. A fairly quick read and thoughtfully organized. If I have any nitpicks with the book, it's that the majority of images correspond to cinematic Bond, while the narrative is primarily focused on literary Bond. This book is not a biography of Ian Fleming, though it certainly has some biographical context. It is primarily a look at the intersection of the Bond character with the real lives of Fleming and others. People who have read extensively about Ian Fleming or the Bond franchise may not find a lot of new information here. But I found it absolutely fascinating. There's also great insight into Fleming's creative process, which could be of interest to many writers or aspiring writers. Great stuff.
November 6, 2018
Interesting. I enjoyed reading it, although I am not sure if James Bond is dated for today's readers. I found it historically interesting as I wasn't really aware of how much Fleming introduced in the early James Bond books that is now taken for granted in today's action thrillers, not that I am a regular action thriller reader. I can also appreciate the impact that James Bond had on Britain in the late 1940s and 50s which was still struggling under wartime rationing and a lack of variety and quality in the food and drink that could be purchased, while 007 was living it up in the hot spots of the world while battling SMERSH, winning at the gaming tables and always accompanied by beautiful, available women.
May 6, 2020
FASCINATING! I had no idea James Bond's creator also wrote "Chitty, Chitty, Bang Bang". I've never read the book or seen the movie. :|
Bond, on the other hand........ I've seen all the movies. Many times. But have never read one of the books. I may have to dive in.
This book is another stellar effort by Ben Macintyre whose books I absolutely love. As always, this is well-researched and written with humour as well as great authority.
Ian Fleming was a very complex individual and this is certainly brought to light here. He died much too young [56] but he was full-on right to the end. "I will not waste my life trying to prolong it."
Good on ya, Ian. Thanks for everything.
And thanks to Mr. Macintyre for bringing it all to light.
Bond, on the other hand........ I've seen all the movies. Many times. But have never read one of the books. I may have to dive in.
This book is another stellar effort by Ben Macintyre whose books I absolutely love. As always, this is well-researched and written with humour as well as great authority.
Ian Fleming was a very complex individual and this is certainly brought to light here. He died much too young [56] but he was full-on right to the end. "I will not waste my life trying to prolong it."
Good on ya, Ian. Thanks for everything.
And thanks to Mr. Macintyre for bringing it all to light.
April 22, 2018
Ben Macintyre (author of books including the Kim Philby bio A Spy Among Friends) crafts a fine look at the life of Ian Fleming and the world of his creation James Bond. Though neither a straight biography of one or a study of the other, For Your Eyes Only offers up a bit of both as it looks at the intersecting lines of fact and fiction between the writer and the character. It’s also lavishly illustrated with letters from Fleming’s collection and props from various films up to the Daniel Craig Casino Royale. A favorite example is the two page spread of Ken Adam’s drawing of the volcano lair from the film You Only Live Twice. Though overpriced at its original retail, at a reduced or even bargain it’s well worth a read for fans of 007.
July 8, 2019
One of my retirement goals is to read all the Bond books in order. I chose the MacIntyre book to ensure I was grounded in the genesis of the story; I particularly enjoyed how MacIntyre explored the various intersections between the life of Fleming and Bond. While Fleming clearly drew on his World War II experiences as a naval intelligence officer to birth and frame Bond, the latter is also many things that Fleming was not. While Fleming was mostly an armchair daredevil, Bond allowed his creator to vicariously experience derring-do. To quote MacIntyre, experience "Renaissance gusto in a frightened age."
May 18, 2020
It's a good read but I finished it with a sense of wanting more, in the sense that I feel there's a lot more to this story than is told here -- or, rather, a deeper analysis of Bond as a post war symbol of aspiration. This is the sort of thing Marxist intellectuals are good at
The most interesting material is at the end when he describes how many books have been written about Bond and also novelists have written new Bond books, including some top literary writers like Kingsley Amis and Sebastian Faulks.
MacIntyre is probably right to say that Bond lives forever -- while Fleming died of drink and cigarettes in his mid fifties
The most interesting material is at the end when he describes how many books have been written about Bond and also novelists have written new Bond books, including some top literary writers like Kingsley Amis and Sebastian Faulks.
MacIntyre is probably right to say that Bond lives forever -- while Fleming died of drink and cigarettes in his mid fifties
November 26, 2024
For Your Eyes Only.
Ian Flemming + James Bond.
From Ben Macintyre
Read this one while in Istanbul (bond style)
Not a typical biography, but more of a companion. Ian Flemming used many many living people for his characters, and thats one of the more interesting parts. But also his work during world War, and if he was a spy or not ! I grew up with James Bond as a kid, read some of the books and watched the movies, i always enjoyed the character alot. This was a fun novel and a no brainer for Bond fans. Ill end with a Ian Flemming quote, I am going to write the spy story to end all spy stories.
He sure did.
Ian Flemming + James Bond.
From Ben Macintyre
Read this one while in Istanbul (bond style)
Not a typical biography, but more of a companion. Ian Flemming used many many living people for his characters, and thats one of the more interesting parts. But also his work during world War, and if he was a spy or not ! I grew up with James Bond as a kid, read some of the books and watched the movies, i always enjoyed the character alot. This was a fun novel and a no brainer for Bond fans. Ill end with a Ian Flemming quote, I am going to write the spy story to end all spy stories.
He sure did.
November 10, 2025
this is an okay biography. there's a lot of assumptions + speculation about what fleming used as inspiration; macintyre was quite liberal when it came to explaining that these are theories and not fact. was also surprised macintyre didn't acknowledge the lawsuits fleming had to deal with since those were all copyright/movie-focused. i mostly wanted to read this for the photos and easter eggs about the movies, so all-in-all, it was okay.
March 1, 2021
Packs a lot of biographical information in a little over 200 pages. This book works at its best when Macintyre points out the events from Fleming's life that helped form James Bond - which lead to plenty of 'ah ha' moments. Sadly, after a flourish of great activity, Fleming died at the age of 56. He left an amazing legacy, but one can only wonder what another 10 years would have yielded.
July 16, 2021
I greatly enjoy Ben McIntyre's books: "Rogue Heros", "Operation Mincemeat", "Agent Sonja", and all the others. Perhaps it's because I'm not a James Bond buff, but I didn't find this book about Ian Flemming and his character, James Bond, very interesting. Nonetheless, I look forward to his next work.
July 16, 2022
First introduction to James Bond - never read a JB story or saw a movie before.
Interesting to note that while the character of Bond can be quite chauvinistic ("this is man's work"), the author Fleming often writes strong female characters.
"Quantum of Solace" came highly recommended, but I'm not sure why. Very little action in that one.
Interesting to note that while the character of Bond can be quite chauvinistic ("this is man's work"), the author Fleming often writes strong female characters.
"Quantum of Solace" came highly recommended, but I'm not sure why. Very little action in that one.
August 25, 2022
A must for every James Bond fan! This book delves into the similaraties (and differences) between James Bond and his creator, Ian Fleming. It's an interesting approach to explaining the lasting popularity of the fictional Bond (James Bond), by examining the real life and times of the author. I found myself shaken and stirred!
September 17, 2022
Jame Bond, British World War 2 Intelligence, and social practices masterfully stirred into an enjoyable book
having read military history, in the broadest sense, and the James Bond books, this book was very enjoyable because prior events and authors are brought together. Ben Macityre lays down the stings of his story and shows how they weave into the world if Bond.
having read military history, in the broadest sense, and the James Bond books, this book was very enjoyable because prior events and authors are brought together. Ben Macityre lays down the stings of his story and shows how they weave into the world if Bond.
October 4, 2022
I quit P.56. This book is a hodge-podge with dozens of characters associated with Ian Fleming, or the secret service on every page, relating the Bond novels & its characters to the real people & events in Fleming's life & wartime career in British Navy intelligence. Too little about too many things to sustain interest.
September 8, 2025
Interesting rather than fascinating. Used to go and see the Bond films with my dad, the first being Thunderball. Stopped going during the Roger Moore era. Naturally Sean Connery remains my favourite Bond. Getting back to this book it struck me as a bit pointless but it does contain a list of further reading choices to peruse in the future.
December 23, 2019
A fascinating insight into the lives on Ian Fleming and his creation, James Bond, and how they are intertwined. The book also looks at the people and events that influenced the novels and effect of Bond on society in general. Yet another superbly written work by Ben Macintyre.
February 16, 2020
4 stars if you are a Bond super fan. It has some interesting historical tidbits and great photos.
I just wish I had seen the original museum installation this book was made to support. Who knows, maybe it is all saved on some server online somewhere.
I just wish I had seen the original museum installation this book was made to support. Who knows, maybe it is all saved on some server online somewhere.
June 26, 2020
While Macintyre's writing is, as always, excellent, I got the sense that he did not have enough material for a full book. The chapters feel drawn out, and once the theme of comparisons between Fleming and Bond is exhausted, there's not much left.
November 4, 2020
Another excellent story by Ben Macthyre
A travel into the world of espionage
Very informative and entertaining. For everyone who wants to understand the phenomenon of James Bond and its origins.
A travel into the world of espionage
Very informative and entertaining. For everyone who wants to understand the phenomenon of James Bond and its origins.
October 12, 2021
I did enjoy this but it felt a bit thin at points and like it was drawing quite a long bow. Interesting to learn more about Fleming and reflect on the longevity/evolution of Bond but it turned too much to a focus on men's perspectives.
February 28, 2023
Fun facts about Ian Fleming and his famous literary son, James Bond. Not really a biography, but plenty of interesting information for Bond fans and a curious final reflection on the appeal of the character for male Britons.
May 5, 2023
Overall a fine biography. Breaking it down by where James Bond was during Fleming's life is an interesting tool. Overall there's a lot of overlap with some of his other books and I can see why you wrote this book.
October 18, 2023
Well written and explores the life of an interesting man, I was initially expecting a little bit more analysis of his impact and opinions but I now understand that this is definitely more of a simple biography of Fleming and in turn Bond.
October 7, 2025
An unfortunately short (by comparison) peek into the unique excellence of Ian Fleming. A textbook Ben MacIntyre. Factual, comparative, but with a touch of biased reverence. Above all, a joy to experience and deserving of our attention.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews