Staff Pick
This is where you start the James Bond series. If you only want to read one Ian Fleming novel, Casino Royale is the one to read, although after you read it, you might want to read more. The films may have begun with Dr. No, but Fleming's novels began with Casino Royale. Read the adventures of a different Bond than the one portrayed on the big screen (although, Daniel Craig seems to be the most accurate to Fleming's character). He's a bit more rough around the edges and uses his wits much more than Q's gadgets. Casino Royale is a dark, fast-paced, beautiful spy novel that had no idea what it was starting when it was published. Recommended By Jeffrey J., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
In the first of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels, 007 declares war on Le Chiffre, French communist and paymaster of the Soviet murder organization SMERSH.
The battle begins with a fifty-million-franc game of baccarat, gains momentum during Bond's fiery love affair with a sensuous lady spy, and reaches a chilling climax with fiendish torture at the hands of a master sadist. For incredible suspense, unexpected thrills, and extraordinary danger, nothing can beat James Bond in his inaugural adventure.
Review
"Where's 007 now that we really need him? He's back with the old derring-do in Penguin's dazzling new reprints" The Washington Post
Review
"Casino Royale is noticeably lacking in humor, and Bond is equally noticeably cold and ruthless, yet at the same time a romantic susceptible to love's pangs. In fact, the novel is as much a love story...as an espionage thriller." Roger K. Miller, The Denver Post
Review
"These stories were racy for the nifty Fifties but are quite tame by today's standards. Still, they can be fun." Library Journal
Review
"The first part of the book is a brilliant novelette in itself....But then [Fleming] decides to pad out the book to novel length and leads the weary reader through a set of tough cliches to an ending which surprises no one save operative 007..." The New York Times (April 1954)
Synopsis
In the first of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels, 007 declares war on Le Chiffre, French communist and paymaster of the Soviet murder organization SMERSH.
The battle begins with a fifty-million-franc game of baccarat, gains momentum during Bond's fiery love affair with a sensuous lady spy, and reaches a chilling climax with fiendish torture at the hands of a master sadist. For incredible suspense, unexpected thrills, and extraordinary danger, nothing can beat James Bond in his inaugural adventure.
Synopsis
In the first of Ian Fleming's tales of 007, Bond finds himself on a mission to neutralize a lethal, high-rolling Russian operative called "Le Chiffre."
About the Author
Ian Fleming (19081964), creator of the world's best-known secret agent, is the author of fourteen James Bond books. Born in London in 1908 and educated at Eton and Sandhurst, he became the Reuters Moscow correspondent in 1929. In the spring of 1939, Fleming went back to Moscow as a special correspondent for the
London Times. In June of that same year, he joined Naval Intelligence and served throughout World War II, finally earning the rank of Commander, RNVSR (Sp.). Much of the James Bond material was drawn directly from Fleming's experiences as an intelligence officer. Later, Fleming became a consultant on foreign affairs for the London
Sunday Times, by which time he had become far better known as the creator of James Bond.
Mr. Fleming died August 12, 1964, at the age of fifty-six.