Casino Royale by Ian Fleming      (Pan, 1965)

James Bond novels

Bond is not a hero, nor is he depicted as being very likable or admirable. He is a Secret Service Agent. He’s not a bad man, but he is ruthless and self-indulgent. He enjoys the fight - he also enjoys the prizes. In fiction people used to have blood in their veins. Nowadays they have pond water. My books are just out of step. But then so are all the people who read them.

- Ian Fleming, on his literary creation James Bond