The question of how many James Bond books exist is a common one among fans and newcomers alike. The iconic British spy, created by author Ian Fleming, has become a cultural phenomenon, spawning a vast array of novels, short stories, films, and other media. To truly appreciate the scope of the James Bond literary universe, it’s essential to explore not only the original works by Fleming but also the contributions made by other authors over the years. In this article, we will delve into the total number of James Bond books, their chronological order, and the authors behind these thrilling adventures.
Overview of the Original James Bond Books by Ian Fleming
Ian Fleming introduced the world to James Bond in 1953 with the publication of Casino Royale. Fleming’s novels set the foundation for the spy’s character, style, and universe. Over the next decade, Fleming authored a total of 12 official James Bond novels and two short story collections, which are considered canonical.
List of Ian Fleming’s James Bond Books
The original James Bond novels by Ian Fleming are:
1. Casino Royale (1953)
2. Live and Let Die (1954)
3. Moonraker (1955)
4. Diamonds Are Forever (1956)
5. From Russia with Love (1957)
6. Dr. No (1958)
7. Goldfinger (1959)
8. For Your Eyes Only (1960) – Short story collection
9. Thunderball (1961)
10. The Spy Who Loved Me (1962)
11. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1963)
12. You Only Live Twice (1964)
13. The Man with the Golden Gun (1965)
14. Octopussy and The Living Daylights (1966) – Short story collection
In total, Fleming wrote 14 books if we include the two short story collections. These novels and stories form the core of the James Bond literary canon.
Post-Fleming Contributions: Other Authors Continue the Legacy
Following Ian Fleming’s death in 1964, several authors have written official James Bond continuation novels. These authors have expanded the universe, introducing new plots, characters, and challenges for 007.
Major Authors Who Continued the James Bond Series
The most notable authors who contributed to the ongoing Bond saga include:
- Kingsley Amis (writing as Robert Markham)
- Christopher Wood
- John Gardner
- Raymond Benson
- Sebastian Faulks
- Jeffrey Deaver
- William Boyd
- Anthony Horowitz
Each of these authors has added their own stories to the Bond universe, often with official approval from the rights holders.
List of Additional James Bond Books by Other Authors
Below is a comprehensive list of the continuation novels, including the authors:
John Gardner (1979–1996):
1. License Renewed (1981)
2. For Special Services (1982)
3. Icebreaker (1983)
4. Role of Honor (1984)
5. Nobody Lives Forever (1986)
6. No Deals, Mr. Bond (1987)
7. Scorpius (1988)
8. Win, Lose or Die (1989)
9. Brokenclaw (1990)
10. The Man from Barbarossa (1991)
11. Death Is Forever (1992)
12. Never Send Flowers (1993)
13. SeaFire (1994)
14. GoldenEye (1995)
15. COLD (1996)
Raymond Benson (1997–2002):
1. Zero Minus Ten (1997)
2. The Facts of Death (1998)
3. High Time to Kill (1991) – Note: Published earlier, but Benson’s novels follow Fleming’s timeline.
4. The World Is Not Enough (1999)
5. Double Shot (2000)
6. Never Dream of Dying (2001)
7. The Man with the Golden Gun (2002) – Novelization
Sebastian Faulks (2008):
- Devil May Care
Jeffrey Deaver (2011):
- Carte Blanche
William Boyd (2020):
- Solo
Anthony Horowitz (2015–present):
1. Trigger Mortis (2015)
2. Forever and a Day (2018)
3. With a Mind to Kill (Upcoming or announced projects)
Including these, the total number of official James Bond novels and short story collections by various authors exceeds 30.
Counting All James Bond Books
Combining Fleming's original works with the continuation novels, the total number of James Bond books is approximately:
- Ian Fleming’s works: 14 books (including the two short story collections)
- Post-Fleming continuation novels: Over 20 books, depending on how many editions or new stories are counted
Overall Total: More than 40 James Bond books
This count continues to grow as new authors release additional stories.
Additional Publications and Compilations
Beyond the novels, there are numerous anthologies, collections, and reprints that compile Bond stories. Some of these highlight Fleming’s original stories, while others include new narratives by other writers.
Key types of publications include:
- Special anniversary editions
- Thematic anthologies
- Short story collections
- Novelizations of films (not considered original books but often included in bibliographies)
While these do not add to the canonical count, they contribute to the overall volume of Bond-related literature.
Summary: How Many James Bond Books Are There?
To summarize:
- Ian Fleming’s official novels and stories: 14
- Additional novels by other authors: Over 20
- Total approximate number of James Bond books: More than 40
This tally continues to grow as authors and publishers release new titles, keeping the legacy of 007 alive for new generations of fans.
Conclusion
The number of James Bond books is a testament to the character’s enduring popularity and cultural significance. From Fleming’s original masterpieces to contemporary authors, the series has expanded into a vast literary universe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual reader, exploring the full range of James Bond books offers an exciting journey through espionage, adventure, and intrigue.
In essence, there are more than 40 James Bond books—a richly layered collection that continues to evolve and captivate audiences around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many James Bond books are there in total?
There are 14 official James Bond novels and short story collections written by Ian Fleming.
Who wrote the original James Bond books?
The original James Bond books were written by British author Ian Fleming.
Are there any additional James Bond books beyond Ian Fleming's works?
Yes, later writers like Kingsley Amis, John Gardner, Raymond Benson, and others have written additional Bond novels and stories.
What is the first James Bond book?
The first James Bond novel is 'Casino Royale,' published in 1953.
Which is the last James Bond book written by Ian Fleming?
The last Bond novel written by Ian Fleming is 'The Man with the Golden Gun,' published in 1965.
Are there any James Bond books published after Ian Fleming's death?
Yes, several continuation novels were published after Fleming's death, authored by other writers, including 'License Renewed' by John Gardner and 'Devil May Care' by Sebastian Faulks.
How many James Bond books are written by different authors?
Multiple authors have contributed to the Bond series, adding approximately 50+ novels and collections since Fleming's original works.
Are there any collections or anthologies of James Bond stories?
Yes, there are several anthologies and collections that compile Fleming's original stories and later contributions by other authors.
Where can I find a complete list of all James Bond books?
A comprehensive list of James Bond books can be found on official James Bond websites, literary databases, and fan-curated lists online.
