Ian Fleming might have been best known for creating arguably the ultimate action hero in James Bond, but the author's own exploits have the makings of a thriller themselves. A fascinating cast list, including his niece Lucy Fleming, and colleague from the Sunday Times, Godfrey Smith, relay their favorite memories in the video above. What emerges is Fleming's love of skiing, fast cars and beautiful women.
Ian Fleming used his wartime experiences in British naval intelligence to create the spy story to end all spy stories and spawn a global franchise with James Bond
He's saved the world two dozen times, all the while flirting and cracking jokes, sipping martinis and playing cards. On the eve of Quantum of Solace, we take a look back at the age of Bond, James Bond
From Oscar winners to silent brutes, TIME's Richard Corliss surveys a half century of Bond films, and arrives at the 10 most interesting villains
The new model of the British secret agent is neither suave nor funny. But in Casino Royale, he has his charms
For over 50 years, 007 has been foiling villains' spectacular attempts to kill him
After 25 years, the Bond formula remains stirring but not shaken
A selection of videos, and articles from the TIME archives, looks at how the author and his secret agent continues to wow the world
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