‘The spy story to end all spy stories’
Almost 70 years after Fleming’s debut novel was published, every other spy in books and film is still compared to his suave, stylish and apparently indestructible hero.
But what is it about James Bond’s luxury travel-loving, womanising, martini-drinking character that stands head and shoulders above the rest?
In this video, BBC Culture takes a journey back in time to the origins of the spy story to find out why Fleming’s 007 – who the writer originally intended to be “a dull, uninteresting man” – has endured for so long.
Click play on the video above to find out more.
Animator Daire Collins; producers Daniel John and Rebecca Laurence; script and voiceover Nicholas Barber
If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on BBC Culture, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.
And if you liked this story, sign up for the weekly bbc.com features newsletter, called The Essential List. A handpicked selection of stories from BBC Future, Culture, Worklife and Travel, delivered to your inbox every Friday.
