Ian Fleming preparation

Hello all,

The materials for my presentation on Ian Fleming should now available in the reading room, taken from the Plomer II mss and the Russell, L mss. There are two letters and a postcard from Fleming to his editor and good friend, William Plomer. In addition, there are also a few photographs to glance at, marked with start and stop flags. The letters and postcard are the most important things to look at, but the photographs help put the writings in context. 

Ian Fleming is best known as the creator and author of fourteen James Bond novels. He wrote these novels while at his vacation home, Goldeneye, in Jamaica and then would edit them once he returned to the UK. He had a very privileged childhood; his father, Valentine Fleming, was a member of British Parliament and he was educated at Eton College. Before penning the Bond novels, Fleming was a naval intelligence officer and later, a journalist. However, these letters are from the later years of his life, after the initial success of Casino Royale. Fleming died on 12 August 1964 - about two months after the second letter (postmarked 27 June 1964). 

A few things to think about while reviewing the material:

These letters are between Fleming and Plomer, who is both a friend and business partner. How do these letters reflect the relationship between these two men? How do they reflect Fleming's social standing and personality? 

Secondly, Fleming also talks of his struggles with writing a commercially popular series and continuing his success. How might these materials evidence a sort of 'reluctant celebrity' in Fleming?  

While the pictures are unable to be put up due to copyright, some of the materials are available online, thanks to Professor Irmscher, at https://iu.box.com/fleming

Have a good weekend,

Anjona