When Ian Fleming died in 1964, it was not obvious that James Bond would outlive his creator. Fleming had written twelve novels and two...

When Ian Fleming died in 1964, it was not obvious that James Bond would outlive his creator. Fleming had written twelve novels and two short-story collections featuring 007, creating one of the most recognizable characters in popular fiction. Bond’s adventures seemed closely tied to Fleming’s own interests, experiences, and writing style. Many literary characters fade away when their creators are gone. James Bond, however, proved to be a remarkable exception.More than sixty years later, Bond remains a thriving literary figure. New novels continue to appear, new writers continue to reinterpret him, and entire series have emerged around supporting characters from his world. The continued success of Bond demonstrates that 007 is far more than a...