His suspense novels feature the ruthless, laconic James Bond, British Secret Service agent 007. The first novel in the series was Casino Royale 1953. His book sales are estimated at over 30 million, and 17 films have been made from, or inspired by, his works. During World War II he worked for British Intelligence where he had the opportunity to give full rein to his vivid imagination in disseminating false information and rumours. The son of an army officer, Fleming was educated at Eton. He had a variety of jobs before his family connections enabled him to become a commander in the RNVR in 1939 and subsequently personal assistant to the Director of Naval Intelligence at the Admiralty. After the War he worked as a features editor for the London Sunday Times.
