Author Profile: David Leigh

David Leigh founded The James Bond Dossier in 2002. A fan of 007 since the age of 8, he is also author of The Complete Guide to the Drinks of James Bond. You can order a copy here if you don't own it already.

001: Mission Briefing

October 5th, 2024 by

In this first episode of The 007 Files, hosts David Leigh, Bill Koenig, and Javi Trujillo kick off the podcast with a Mission Briefing. Join them as they explore the inspiration and ideas behind the podcast, setting the stage for an exciting journey through the world of James Bond. The hosts delve into their personal […]

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Global James Bond Day

October 5th, 2024 by

On 5th October 1962 Dr No  premiered at the London Pavilion, the first of what is one of the most successful film series ever. On October 5th each year, fans around the world celebrate James Bond Day, a special date dedicated to one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history. This annual celebration not […]

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Timothy Dalton’s wardrobe: the defining style of a darker Bond

September 26th, 2024 by

A man in a tuxedo holding a small binocular-like device up to his eyes.

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Explore Ian Fleming’s London with new illustrated guide

September 16th, 2024 by

A new fold-out guide offers James Bond fans a unique opportunity to explore the London of Ian Fleming, tracing the steps of the author whose life often mirrored that of his most famous creation. Ian Fleming’s London takes readers on a journey through the capital’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, visiting the places that shaped the world […]

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About those Bond 26 director rumours

September 13th, 2024 by

Bond 26

I talk about two recent stories about potential Bond 26 directors in the UK press. Just recently, two stories about potential Bond 26 directors appeared in the UK press. Personally, I’m glad to see the media is now focusing on the right thing. If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you’ll know I’ve […]

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MI6 Confidential #73: Science of Goldfinger

September 2nd, 2024 by

Issue #73 of the full-colour James Bond magazine MI6 Confidential is now shipping worldwide.  There is not much that has not already been written about the seminal 1964 film Goldfinger, but one aspect that is often overlooked is the science and technological marvels that wowed audiences and fuelled a sub-genre of ‘spy-fi’ in the 1960s. In […]

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The style of James Bond: clothes in the Roger Moore era

August 27th, 2024 by

With Roger Moore as James Bond, clothes and accessories reflected the trends of 70s and 80s fashion. Roger Moore played James Bond between 1973 and 1985, infusing the character with his signature blend of wit, charm, and refined elegance. His portrayal of 007 stood apart from his predecessors, leaning into a sophisticated and lighter tone. […]

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Ian Fleming’s Velcro connection

August 15th, 2024 by

This is the bizarre story of how Ian Fleming’s love life links him with Velcro! Mentioned in the video is Nicholas Shakespeare’s Ian Fleming: The Complete Man, which is available from Amazon. The opinions expressed in the article are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the website owner.

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New James Bond hardcover artwork revealed

August 14th, 2024 by

Michael Gillette’s fresh Bond covers once again bring his design expertise to Ian Fleming’s classic novels. To mark the 60th anniversary earlier this week of the death of James Bond’s creator, Ian Fleming Publications revealed new cover designs for all fourteen of his James Bond books. Designed by the acclaimed Michael Gillette, these editions will […]

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Anniversary of Ian Fleming’s death [1964]

August 12th, 2024 by

James Bond’s creator, one time naval intelligence officer, journalist and author Ian Lancaster Fleming, died of a heart attack in the early hours of 12th August 1964, his only son’s birthday. After a lifetime of heavy drinking and smoking and a reluctance to cut down on the vices he so much enjoyed, Fleming collapsed after dining at […]

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George Lazenby and the evolution of James Bond clothing

July 30th, 2024 by

George Lazenby’s wardrobe in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service blended classic elegance with contemporary 1960s fashion trends. When Sean Connery first stepped down as 007 after You Only Live Twice, George Lazenby was working as a model. Undeterred by his lack of acting experience, Lazenby decided to pursue the role with laser focus and determination. […]

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The Spy Who Loved Coffee

July 19th, 2024 by

An illustrated graphic with text "007's Coffee Habits in Ian Fleming's Books" and "The Spy Who Loved Coffee" alongside a stylized image of a man wearing a bow tie, resembling a classic spy character.

A look at how 007 enjoys his coffee in Ian Fleming’s books. You know exactly how James Bond likes his martinis but did you know he is a coffee lover too? In fact, given 007’s roots and his association with all things Britannic, you would be forgiven for thinking his hot beverage of choice would […]

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The best James Bond novels according to fans

July 2nd, 2024 by

Fan survey reveals the best-loved James Bond books. Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels have captivated readers for decades, creating an indelible legacy in the literary world. Recently, we conducted a survey to find out which of Fleming’s novels are considered the best by Bond fans. The responses provide a fascinating insight into the enduring popularity […]

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The James Bond Dossier Newsletter

July 2nd, 2024 by

If you’re a fan of James Bond and want to keep up with all the latest news then you’ll love our monthly newsletter! On the first Tuesday of every month you’ll get your free members-only newsletter right in your inbox. And if there any major announcements during the month then you’ll be notified about those […]

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Classic James Bond style: The signature clothing of Sean Connery’s 007

June 27th, 2024 by

A look at how Sean Connery set the gold standard for James Bond’s fashion. Sean Connery’s portrayal of James Bond set a gold standard not just for cinematic espionage but for men’s fashion in the 20th century. Under the astute guidance of director Terence Young and the sartorial craftsmanship of tailor Anthony Sinclair, Connery’s Bond […]

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Bond book survey

June 26th, 2024 by

I recently sent out a survey in our monthly newsletter to gather your opinions on the best Bond novels and short stories. I’m excited to compile all the data and share the results with you in our upcoming newsletter next Tuesday. If you haven’t had a chance to fill it out yet, I would greatly […]

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A celebration of Ian Fleming on the anniversary of his birth

May 28th, 2024 by

Today marks the anniversary of the birth Ian Fleming, the author who introduced the world to James Bond in Casino Royale and went on to write a total of fourteen James Bond books. Born in Mayfair on 28 May 1908, during the war Fleming excelled as assistant to the Director of Naval Intelligence. In this capacity he […]

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MI6 Confidential #72: Capturing the enchantment

May 7th, 2024 by

Issue #72 of the full-colour James Bond magazine MI6 Confidential is now shipping worldwide. Ian Fleming penned hundreds of thousands of words about 007, but he wrote very few about the man himself, James Bond. Readers came to understand the character through his actions. This is made clear in the rather fleeting depictions of Bond’s life […]

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James Bond cars: the Pierce Brosnan era

April 18th, 2024 by

Pierce Brosnan’s films redefined the automotive landscape of the James Bond series with 007 driving BMWs alongside classic Aston Martins. After six long years without a new film, James Bond stormed back into action in Goldeneye. The Aston Martin DB5 was back for the first time since Thunderball, 30 years before. Yet, the 1995 film […]

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Champagne and Benzedrine: amphetamine use in the James Bond books

April 9th, 2024 by

While 007’s heavy drinking and smoking made the transition to the silver screen, so far his occasional amphetamine use has not. In Daniel Craig’s debut as 007 Le Chiffre sometimes draws a breath from a metal inhaler. Apart from the material from which it is made, the design of the inhaler in Casino Royale precisely […]

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