Overview of James Bond Books
The James Bond literary universe originated with British author Ian Fleming, who introduced the character in 1953. Fleming’s novels laid the foundation for the franchise, establishing Bond’s persona, universe, and signature style. Over the years, the series has expanded to include works by other authors, officially sanctioned continuations, and unofficial publications.
Ian Fleming’s Canon of Bond Books
Ian Fleming authored a total of 14 James Bond novels and short story collections during his lifetime. These form the core of the official Bond literary series and are considered the original and most authoritative works.
Fleming’s Original Works
The 14 books published by Fleming are:
- Casino Royale (1953)
- Live and Let Die (1954)
- Moonraker (1955)
- Diamonds Are Forever (1956)
- From Russia, with Love (1957)
- Doctor No (1958)
- Goldfinger (1959)
- For Your Eyes Only (1960) — Short stories
- Thunderball (1961)
- The Spy Who Loved Me (1962)
- On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1963)
- You Only Live Twice (1964)
- The Man with the Golden Gun (1965)
- Octopussy and The Living Daylights (1966) — Short stories
These 14 works are the definitive Fleming series and the foundation for all subsequent Bond literature.
Post-Fleming Authorized Continuations
Following Fleming’s death in 1964, several authors were authorized by the Fleming estate to continue writing James Bond novels. These authors have expanded the literary universe, introducing new stories and adventures.
Major Authors and Their Contributions
The most notable authors and their works are:
- Kingsley Amis (writing as Robert Markham):
- Colonel Sun (1968)
- John Gardner:
- Licensed to Kill (1981)
- Death Is Forever (1992)
- Win, Lose or Die (1996)
- SeaFire (1994)
- Brokenclaw (1990)
- Zero Minus Ten (1997)
- Role of Honor (1984)
- Icebreaker (1983)
- Licence Renewed (1981)
- Scorpius (1988)
- Win, Lose or Die (1996)
- Never Send Flowers (1993)
- Raymond Benson:
- The Facts of Death (1998)
- High Time to Kill (1991)
- Zero Minus Ten (1997)
- The Man with the Red Tattoo (2002)
- The Union Trilogy (collects three novels)
- William Boyd:
- Solo (2013)
Including these, the total number of officially sanctioned Bond novels by Fleming’s successors exceeds 20 titles, with some authors contributing multiple books.
Unofficial Bond Publications and Parodies
Apart from the official and authorized continuations, numerous unofficial Bond books, parodies, and fan fiction exist. These often do not have the official blessing of the estate or publishers.
Popular Unofficial Titles and Variants
Some notable unofficial Bond-related publications include:
- James Bond: The Authorized Biography of 007
- The Bond Files
- 007 Junior — a children's book series
- Various parody novels and comic books
While interesting for fans and collectors, these titles are not counted within the official series.
How Many Bond Books Are There in Total?
Considering all categories—original Fleming works, authorized continuations, and select unofficial publications—the total number of Bond books exceeds 30. However, if we focus solely on the official literary series, the count is:
- 14 books by Ian Fleming
- Approximately 20+ novels and collections by authorized authors
Therefore, the total number of Bond books, including all official and authorized titles, is around 35 to 40.
Summary: Breaking Down the Count
- Ian Fleming’s original works: 14
- Authorized continuation novels: 20+ titles
- Unofficial/publications: numerous, but not counted in the official tally
In conclusion, there are approximately 35 to 40 Bond books when considering all official and authorized titles, with the core Fleming series comprising 14 established works.
Final Thoughts
The James Bond literary universe has grown significantly since Fleming’s debut. Whether you are a purist focusing on the original 14 novels or a completist eager to explore every authorized continuation, understanding the scope of Bond literature enriches the experience. As new authors and publishers continue to add to the saga, the number of Bond books will likely continue to grow, keeping the legendary spy’s legacy alive for new generations of fans.
If you’re looking to explore the full Bond literary universe, start with Fleming’s classic 14, then consider the authorized continuations, and finally, indulge in some of the unofficial publications for a broader perspective on the world of 007.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bond books are there in total?
There are 14 official James Bond novels written by Ian Fleming, along with several novelizations and continuation novels by other authors.
Are there more than 14 James Bond books?
Yes, besides the original 14 Fleming novels, numerous authors have written additional Bond books, including novelizations and continuation series, bringing the total to over 50 titles.
Who are the authors of the Bond books besides Ian Fleming?
Authors like Kingsley Amis, John Gardner, Raymond Benson, Sebastian Faulks, Jeffery Deaver, and William Boyd have written Bond novels after Fleming's death.
What is the most recent Bond book published?
The most recent official Bond novel is 'Forever and a Day' by Anthony Horowitz, published in 2018.
Are there any Bond books for children or young readers?
Yes, there are children's books and adaptations based on Bond stories, but the core series includes adult novels primarily aimed at mature readers.
Where can I find a complete list of all Bond books?
You can find comprehensive lists of Bond books on dedicated fan websites, bibliographies, and official James Bond publishers' pages online.
Are there audiobooks available for all Bond books?
Most Bond novels are available as audiobooks, narrated by various voice actors, making them accessible for audiobook listeners worldwide.
