[Sans-Culotte]

As for authenticity, Fleming was involved in British Intelligence, which informed many of the novels. Also, I think most of Bond's likes/dislikes (cigarettes, vodkas, gins, "sea-island" shirts, etc) were probably Fleming's, which added to the realism of Bond's reactions and sensations in the books.

When one reads the books, one is struck by the idea that Bond would die early from his excesses if he did not end up getting killed on duty. In a way that happened, as Fleming only lived to be 56.

[Gondring]

When one reads the books, one is struck by the idea that Bond would die early from his excesses if he did not end up getting killed on duty. In a way that happened, as Fleming only lived to be 56.

"I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them." --Ian Fleming