Ian Fleming: A Personal Memoir by Robert Harling

By: FSWL team

Published:
2015-09-30

Ian Fleming A Personal Memoir Robert Harling

Publication of Ian Fleming A Personal Memoir, a new book written by Robert Harling and published by The Robson Press on the same day as The Man with the Golden Typewriter: Ian Fleming's James Bond Letters. The foreword for the memoir is written by Fiona MacCarthy, OBE.

Forged during the Second World War, the close and abiding friendship of Robert Harling and Ian Fleming, one of the twentieth century’s most iconic authors, would go on to define the lives and literature of both men significantly.

Their paths first crossed in 1939, and Harling later became Fleming’s deputy in the commando unit dubbed ‘Fleming’s Secret Navy’, which was tasked with obtaining equipment, codebooks and intelligence from the enemy. The war made fast friends of the two writers, and Fleming would go on to immortalise Harling in his hugely popular Bond novels Thunderball (1961) and The Spy Who Loved Me (1962).

Yet beneath the pair’s charm, charisma and creativity was an altogether darker reality. Documenting in vivid detail his private exchanges with Fleming, Harling exposes the personality behind his protagonist – one tempered by debilitating bouts of depression and a deep-rooted distrust of women.

This extraordinary memoir provides a fascinating and unprecedented insight into the mind of the creator of James Bond – from one of those who knew him best.

Reviews:
"Robert Harling was a man of many talents, who worked with Ian Fleming in naval intelligence and journalism, as well as being a thriller writer himself. He has produced a memoir of his close friend that is full of fascinating anecdotes, and that, without glossing over the imperfections of its subject, manages to be affectionate, humorous and insightful. The result is a wonderful treat – a welcome addition to the literature about 007’s creator."
– Andrew Lycett, author of Ian Fleming

"Anyone seriously interested in the melancholic Old Etonian Scot who created James Bond will fall on this long-lost memoir with genuine joy. Robert Harling’s authentic book is funny and frank and revealing about Ian Fleming and his social milieu, with real sadness under all the banter."
– Nicholas Rankin, author of Ian Fleming’s Commandos: The Story of 30 Assault Unit in WWII

Book details:
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: The Robson Press
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1849549356
Price: 20 GBP

About Ian Fleming:
Born in London in 1908. His first job was at Reuters news agency after which he worked briefly as a stockbroker before working in Naval Intelligence during the Second World War.

Fleming was married to Anne Rothermere with whom he had a son, Caspar. He died in 1964.

Editor's note:
For more Ian Fleming books featured on FSWL, click here.

For all Ian Fleming's novels featured on FSWL, click here.

Photo above:
Book cover for Ian Fleming A Personal Memoir. © 2015 The Robson Press. All rights reserved.

Oorder Ian Fleming A Personal Memoir from the publisher:

www.therobsonpress.com/books/ian-fleming

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