FORGED IN WAR:

THE CREATION AND EVOLUTION OF JAMES BOND

Forged in War is the definitive narrative of how the world’s most famous spy was born—not in Hollywood, but in the covert corridors of World War II intelligence. Drawing on rich historical detail, D.M. Buckland traces James Bond’s extraordinary journey from the real-life experiences of his creator, Ian Fleming, to Bond’s reinvention across novels, films, and decades of cultural change.
Beginning in the smoke-filled rooms of Naval Intelligence, the book reveals how Fleming’s wartime work in strategy, deception, and psychological insight became the blueprint for 007’s precision, cool detachment, and lethal competence. From these origins, Forged in War follows Bond’s transformation from literary icon to global phenomenon, examining how shifting geopolitics, evolving ideas of heroism, and the imagination of filmmakers shaped each new incarnation of the character.
You’ll discover:

• The wartime operations and personalities that inspired Fleming’s world of spies, missions, and villains.
• How Bond’s character evolved through early novels like Casino Royale and Moonraker, mapping the anxieties, ambitions, and desires of the eras they were written in.
• Behind-the-scenes battles and breakthroughs that shaped the Bond film franchise—from casting controversies to legal disputes and bold creative gambles.
• Why Bond endures, continuing to captivate audiences as both a myth and a mirror of modern history.

Both a sweeping cultural history and an intimate portrait of artistic creation, Forged in War offers an engrossing look at how wartime discipline forged a timeless legend—and how James Bond became one of the most recognizable figures in global storytelling.
Perfect for fans of 007, lovers of behind‑the‑scenes film history, and readers fascinated by the intersection of fact and fiction.