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.

James Bond gift ideas: the ultimate 007 gift guide for 2026

November 21st, 2024 by

The best James Bond gift ideas curated for every budget. This guide highlights the best James Bond gifts available right now — whether you’re looking for a James Bond gift for him, a collector piece, or a small 007-themed stocking filler. Every recommendation is chosen for quality and long-term appeal. If you’re looking for something […]

>> read article

MI6 Confidential #74: the perfect shot

November 18th, 2024 by

Issue #74 of the full-colour James Bond magazine MI6 Confidential is now shipping worldwide.  In this issue The Perfect Shot – photographer Keith Hamshere on shutter speed & secret agents Music Notes – a journey through the ’70s soundtracks Ground Zero – the 1956 Moonraker screenplay that never lifted off The Lost Cast Of Goldfinger – […]

>> read article

007: Licence to Legacy – Goldfinger at 60 (Part 1)

November 18th, 2024 by

In this 007th episode of the podcast, Javier Trujillo, Bill Koenig, and David Leigh take a Licence to Legacy as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of the seminal Bond film, Goldfinger. Apple | Spotify They dive into discussing their first experiences with Goldfinger, revisiting the film’s thrilling moments and discussing how it refined the plot […]

>> read article

007 ways to bring back James Bond

November 13th, 2024 by

How can they bring back James Bond after No Time to Die? Here are my theories of how Bond can return in Bond 26. I think it’s fair to say that No Time to Die left audiences in a state of shock. After years of narrow escapes, James Bond met his end in an explosive […]

>> read article

James Bond’s clothing: the Pierce Brosnan look

November 12th, 2024 by

A look at 007’s clothing during Pierce Brosnan’s stint as the world’s best-known secret agent. When Pierce Brosnan took on the mantle of James Bond for Goldeneye in 1995, he brought a fresh yet familiar style to the role. Blending classic elements with the sartorial sensibilities of the late 90s and early 2000s, Brosnan’s Bond […]

>> read article

006: Ian Fleming – a female fan’s viewpoint

November 9th, 2024 by

Spotify | Apple Podcasts Frieda Toth has extensively researched the life and times of Ian Fleming and the literary James Bond. She talks to Bill Koenig, one of the co-hosts of The 007 Files about Fleming’s complicated life, how Fleming’s Bond is different than the Eon films, and her views about the Eon Bond actors. Recorded in […]

>> read article

005: Inside Goldeneye – what it’s really like to stay at Ian Fleming’s Caribbean hideaway

November 4th, 2024 by

What’s it really like to stay at Goldeneye, the secluded Jamaican estate where Ian Fleming dreamed up James Bond?  Spotify | Apple Podcasts In this episode, I chat with Darryl Marsch, a lucky guest who’s experienced the magic of Goldeneye twice. From strolling along the same beaches Fleming wandered to visiting the villa where Casino Royale […]

>> read article

004: Licence to Kill at 35 – Revisiting Bond’s darkest mission (Part 2)

October 28th, 2024 by

In Part 2 of our deep dive into Licence to Kill, Javi Trujillo, Bill Koenig, and David Leigh continue the conversation with guest Eoghan Lyng.  Spotify | Apple Podcasts This time around they first focus the spotlight on the Fleming material used in the film. They then ponder how much the drug angle alienated audiences and […]

>> read article

003: Licence to Kill at 35 – Revisiting Bond’s darkest mission (Part 1)

October 21st, 2024 by

In this first part of our deep dive into Licence to Kill, Javi Trujillo leads the discussion with co-hosts Bill Koenig and David Leigh, along with special guest Eoghan Lyng.  Spotify | Apple Podcasts We kick things off by sharing our personal experiences of seeing Licence to Kill for the first time and reflecting […]

>> read article

Ian Fleming’s books in order: a complete bibliography

October 16th, 2024 by

We explore all Ian Fleming’s books in order of publication, with a focus on his non-Bond writings. When Ian Fleming published his first novel, Casino Royale, in 1953, he could scarcely have imagined the cultural phenomenon it would spark. Best known for creating the iconic James Bond, Fleming’s influence extends far beyond the world of […]

>> read article

002: From Detroit With Love – the other Casino Royale car

October 12th, 2024 by

A discussion about recent comments on the Bond franchise by Amazon MGM and a look at what is possibly the most unloved Bond car of them all. In this episode of The 007 Files, co-hosts Bill Koenig and Javi Trujillo discuss recent comments by an Amazon MGM executive about the Bond film franchise.  They also […]

>> read article

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 […]

>> read article

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.

We zoom in on Timothy Dalton’s no-nonsense approach to Bond’s wardrobe. Timothy Dalton’s tenure as James Bond marked a significant departure from the character’s previous portrayals. Known for bringing a darker, more serious tone to the role, Dalton’s Bond was more introspective than previous incarnations and his wardrobe reflected this shift. Gone were the flamboyant […]

>> read article

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 […]

>> read article

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 […]

>> read article

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 […]

>> read article

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. […]

>> read article

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.

>> read article

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 […]

>> read article

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. […]

>> read article