Introduction to the James Bond Literary Series
The James Bond literary universe was created by British author Ian Fleming, who introduced the character in the early 1950s. Fleming’s novels and short stories set the foundation for the modern perception of the suave, resourceful British secret agent. Since Fleming’s death in 1964, other authors have continued the series, expanding its scope and reach.
Number of Original Ian Fleming James Bond Books
The core of the James Bond literary universe begins with Ian Fleming’s works. Fleming authored a total of 14 official James Bond novels and two short story collections during his lifetime.
Ian Fleming’s James Bond Novels
Fleming’s original series includes the following 14 novels:
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
Note: While "For Your Eyes Only" and "Octopussy and The Living Daylights" are short story collections rather than full-length novels, they are part of Fleming’s official series.
Summary of Fleming’s Contribution
- Total novels: 9
- Short story collections: 5 (including "For Your Eyes Only" and "Octopussy and The Living Daylights")
- Total books authored by Fleming: 14 (including short stories)
Post-Fleming Contributions: Continuing the Series
Following Fleming’s death, several authors have contributed to the James Bond literary universe under the umbrella of authorized continuation novels. These authors have expanded the series, introducing new adventures and characters.
Authors Who Continued the Series
- Kingsley Amis (writing as Robert Markham)
- John Gardner
- Raymond Benson
- Sebastian Faulks
- Jeffrey Deaver
- William Boyd
- Anthony Horowitz (current series author)
Notable Post-Fleming James Bond Books
- "Colonel Sun" by Kingsley Amis (1968)
- "Licence Renewed" by John Gardner (1981)
- "Icebreaker" by John Gardner (1983)
- "Zero Minus Ten" by Raymond Benson (1997)
- "Devil May Care" by Sebastian Faulks (2008)
- "Forever and a Day" by Anthony Horowitz (2018)
- "Trigger Mortis" by Anthony Horowitz (2015)
- "Carnegie's Run" by Charles Cumming (announced as upcoming)
Total Count of James Bond Books
When considering all official publications, including Fleming’s original works and subsequent authorized continuations, the total number of James Bond books exceeds 30.
Breakdown of the Total Number of James Bond Books
| Category | Number of Books | Details |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ian Fleming’s original works | 14 | 9 novels + 5 short story collections |
| Continuation novels | 14+ | Including titles by Gardner, Benson, Faulks, Boyd, Horowitz, and others |
| Total (approximate) | 30+ | Exact count varies depending on editions and anthologies |
Note: The count may vary slightly depending on whether short stories are counted as standalone books or as part of collections.
Expanded Universe: Short Stories, Anthologies, and Adaptations
Apart from the main novels, there are numerous short stories, anthologies, and adapted works that contribute to the overall Bond literary universe.
Key Points About Short Stories and Collections
- Fleming’s short stories are often published in collections like "For Your Eyes Only," "Octopussy," and "The Living Daylights."
- Many anthologies include additional stories by other authors, sometimes authorized or unofficial.
- Some collections compile various Bond stories from different authors, increasing the total count.
Other Literary Works and Spin-offs
- Comic strips, graphic novels, and unofficial fan publications also exist but are not counted as part of the official series.
- Some books focus on characters or stories within the Bond universe but are not considered canonical.
Summary: How Many James Bond Books Are There?
In conclusion, the total number of James Bond books depends on the scope of inclusion. If we consider only the original works by Ian Fleming, there are 14 official books—comprising 9 novels and 5 short story collections. When including continuation novels written by various authors authorized by the estate, the number surpasses 30 books. This makes the James Bond literary series one of the most extensive and enduring franchises in modern fiction.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
- For new readers, starting with Fleming’s original novels provides a solid foundation of the character and style.
- Fans interested in the evolving narrative can explore the continuation series by Gardner, Benson, Faulks, Boyd, and Horowitz.
- Collectors and enthusiasts often seek special editions, annotated versions, and anthologies to deepen their understanding of the series.
FAQs about James Bond Books
- Are there any non-canonical James Bond books? Yes, numerous unofficial and fan-created works exist, but they are not part of the official series.
- Who is the current author writing James Bond novels? As of 2023, Anthony Horowitz is the current authorized author of new James Bond novels.
- Will there be more James Bond books in the future? Likely yes, as the series continues to evolve with new authors and adaptations.
This comprehensive overview clarifies that the number of James Bond books is dynamic and ever-expanding. Whether you are a casual reader or a dedicated collector, the series offers a rich literary universe that has captivated audiences for over six decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many James Bond books are there in total?
There are 14 officially published James Bond novels and short stories written by Ian Fleming.
Are there any new James Bond books beyond Ian Fleming's works?
Yes, several authors have continued the series with new James Bond novels, but the original works by Ian Fleming total 14.
Which is the first James Bond book written by Ian Fleming?
The first James Bond book by Ian Fleming is 'Casino Royale,' published in 1953.
Are there any collections of James Bond short stories?
Yes, Ian Fleming's James Bond stories have been collected into several books, including 'The James Bond Omnibus' and 'The Man with the Golden Gun.'
How many James Bond books has Ian Fleming written?
Ian Fleming wrote a total of 12 James Bond novels and 2 short story collections, making 14 books in total.
