British Culture: Albion Never Dies The Britishness of Live and Let Die: A DEEP DIVE: Fleming, Film, and Fans [Episode 195]
Jul 21, 2025
Peter Brooker, co-author of ‘From Tailors With Love’ and host of ‘There Will Be Bond’, joins to explore the British essence of ‘Live and Let Die’. He discusses how the Suez Crisis bolstered Fleming’s fame and the novel's early success. The conversation dives deep into race representation in both the book and film, shedding light on cultural nuances of the 1950s. Brooker also shares a delightful anecdote about having a shirt made from the same fabric as Bond's, connecting fashion and fandom in the process.
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Early Bond Books' Unique Development
- Fleming wrote Casino Royale first, then Live and Let Die while still figuring out Bond's style.
- Live and Let Die is structurally closer to the films than Fleming's first novel.
JFK Boosted Bond's US Popularity
- JFK popularized Bond in the US by listing From Russia With Love as a favorite.
- This American boost came years after Bond's earlier success in the UK market.
Suez Crisis Boosted Fleming's Success
- The 1956 Suez Crisis caused a British political disaster affecting Prime Minister Anthony Eden.
- Fleming hosting Eden at Goldeneye helped boost Bond's UK bestseller status.
