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Introduction to the James Bond Literary Series
The James Bond literary universe began with Ian Fleming, a British novelist and journalist, who introduced the world to 007 in 1953. Fleming’s original series consists of twelve main novels and two short story collections, which laid the foundation for the enduring popularity of the character. After Fleming’s death in 1964, other authors took on the mantle to continue the saga, resulting in a vast and diverse collection of 007 books.
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Original Ian Fleming Novels
Ian Fleming authored a total of 12 novels and 2 short story collections during his lifetime, establishing the core of the James Bond literary universe.
Fleming’s Published Works:
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) — published posthumously
14. Octopussy and The Living Daylights (1966) — short stories, published posthumously
Note: Some stories were published posthumously, with Fleming’s estate releasing additional works after his death.
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Post-Fleming Continuation Novels
Following Fleming’s death, a series of authors have continued the 007 book legacy, creating new stories that expand the universe and introduce new generations to James Bond.
Key Authors and Their Contributions:
- Kingsley Amis (writing as Robert Markham): Colonel Sun (1968)
- Christopher Wood: Wrote novelizations of two James Bond films, The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
- John Gardner (1979–1996): Authored 14 novels, starting with Licence Renewed (1981)
- Raymond Benson (1997–2002): Wrote six novels and several short stories
- Sebastian Faulks: Devil May Care (2008)
- Jeffrey Deaver: Carte Blanche (2011)
- William Boyd: Solo (2013)
- Anthony Horowitz: Wrote Trigger Mortis (2015) and Forever and a Day (2018)
Number of Continuation Novels:
- As of October 2023, there are approximately 30+ continuation novels authored by various writers, including Fleming’s successors and modern authors.
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The Complete Count of James Bond Books
Adding up all categories, the total number of 007 books—including original novels, short stories, and continuation works—exceeds 60 titles.
Breakdown of the Total Collection:
- Ian Fleming’s works: 14 books (including novels and short stories)
- Official continuation novels: approximately 35
- Film novelizations and adaptations: about 10 (by various authors)
- Unofficial and fan publications: numerous, but not part of the official canon
Therefore, the total number of officially recognized James Bond books is roughly 60 to 65 titles.
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Notable Collections and Special Editions
In addition to the main series, numerous collections, special editions, and illustrated versions have been published, further enriching the literary universe of 007.
- The Ian Fleming Collection: A comprehensive compilation of Fleming’s works
- The James Bond Omnibus Editions: Combining multiple stories in one volume
- Annotated Editions: Featuring Fleming’s original manuscripts and notes
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Summary: How Many 007 Books Are There?
To summarize, the number of 007 books can be categorized as follows:
- Ian Fleming’s original series: 14 books
- Post-Fleming continuation novels: approximately 35
- Film novelizations and adaptations: about 10
- Other works and collections: numerous editions, some unofficial
Overall, there are around 60 to 65 official James Bond books published to date, making the literary franchise one of the most extensive in the spy genre.
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Conclusion
The how many 007 books are there question leads to an answer that reflects the enduring legacy of James Bond in literature. From Fleming’s original masterpieces to modern continuations by acclaimed authors, the series has expanded significantly over the decades. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the franchise, exploring these books offers a thrilling journey into the world of espionage, glamour, and danger that only 007 can deliver.
For collectors and new readers alike, understanding the full scope of James Bond’s literary universe reveals a rich history and a vast number of stories waiting to be discovered. As new books are still being published, the total continues to grow, ensuring that how many 007 books are there remains an intriguing and evolving question for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many James Bond 007 books are there in total?
There are 14 original James Bond novels and 2 short story collections written by Ian Fleming, making a total of 16 books.
Are there any newer James Bond books after Ian Fleming's original series?
Yes, several authors have continued the series with authorized novels, bringing the total number of 007 books beyond Fleming's originals.
Who authored the original James Bond 007 books?
The original series was written by Ian Fleming, who authored 12 novels and 2 short story collections.
Are all James Bond books written by Ian Fleming available today?
Most of Fleming's original books are available, but some editions may be out of print or limited, with newer editions and adaptations also available.
How many James Bond books are published in total, including all authors?
Including all authorized continuations and spin-offs, there are over 60 James Bond books published by various authors.
