Rating: 
Summary: Best book yet written about the James Bond films.
Review: There have been a lot of books written about the James Bond films and phenomenon; I should know because I've read them all! That's why I feel uniquely qualified and very confident in saying that this latest book (written by the two gentlemen who produced the special edition James Bond DVDs) is without a doubt THE best book yet written about the James Bond films! If you're baffled as to which book to add to you movie library, look no further because here you will find information and photos that you will not find anywhere else.What makes this book so good? Well, first off, it's HUGE in size! A great coffee table book to be sure. The graphic layout is extremely well done and all the films are given equal time (not the case with some of the other books which tend to fixate on the Connery era). Also, for the first time in any official publication, we have coverage of the two "unofficial" James Bond films: NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN and CASINO ROYALE. Up until now these two "rogue" films have been missing from all official publications for legal reasons. JAMES BOND THE LEGACY is the first book to be published after MGM took ownership of these films, so now we are able to hear the fascinating stories of how they came to be made and, most interestingly, how they impacted and influenced the official series. Great stuff! But what I like most about JAMES BOND THE LEGACY is how the authors look at each film within the historical context of when it was made. They focus not only on what was going on with the Bond producers at the time, but also what was going on in the world; what socio-political and even cinematic trends the Bond films were keying into. This really brings a new understanding to each film and helps explain why James Bond has endured while other "pop culture spies" (Matt Helm, Derek Flint, xXx :)) failed to connect beyond their time and have long since disappeared. Most people think James Bond films are "all the same", but you will discover here that they are not. In this book I learned how throughout its amazing 20-year history the Bond filmmakers made subtle--and sometimes very bold--changes in the tone of the series and to the character of James Bond himself. This is much more than a simple look at the production and plot of each film, this is a major work on one of the most famous fictional characters of the 20th century. Oh, and the book also gives a detailed look at the new Bond movie, DIE ANOTHER DAY, with some pictures that lead me to believe this could be the best Bond movie of them all! This alone makes it stand above the rest as definitive. JAMES BOND THE LEGACY is a must buy for all James Bond fans and anyone interested in 20th century popular culture. Again, if you buy just one book about James Bond, make it this one.
Rating:
Summary: The #1 Biggest and Best James Bond 007 Book Ever!
Review: There have been countless amount of book on the films, book, culture, politics, comics, toys and anything and everything about James Bond. But, let me tell you that this is the best 007 book ever! You will notice that when you first see it because of it's huge size! It is the largest 007 book I own. Written by two authors who researched their facts and are excellent on the subject of James Bond. What makes this book so unique? Many, practically all 007 books explain about the movies and books alone. This book does that, but includes how what was going on in the world and popular culture influenced many of the decisions in the films and books. All of the films, including Die Another Day, Never Say Never Again and Casino Royale are reviewed in equal amounts. These two official films have always been a little more difficult to read about, but now because MGM has recently added them under their ownership, they are explained in great detail. The best part is how the author's include not only the focus of the film, but what was going on in the world at the time. A great example is the dangerous choice to expose African Americans as the villains in Live and Let Die. This is a great way to see what was the pop culture during each film. Learn all about the Bond Family, and how they made many changes to the series such as increasing the authority of women, how Bond acted, amount of humor in the films and the way they were presented to the public. A great way to look at all of the thousands of people that have contributed to the series, enhanced with hundres of rare photographs and pictures. The best book to look back at the history of James Bond over the 40 years it has been around. The end of the book features great text information on the films. And, finally there is a quote from people that have worked on or in a Bond film. The definititve Bond book. The Best. That covers it all.
Rating:
Summary: Licence to keep you up late!
Review: This book has one big problem. It is too big! It is crammed with more info than most encyclopedias and loads of amazing pictures from the 40 years of Bond, James Bond. I just wish it was easier to hold and read. Alas, the pictures probably wouldn't look quite so good. If you have read other books on the Bond films, well, this one will give you a whole new perspective on the longest running, most successful series (until Lucas makes more Star Wars films) in movie history. While one reviewer here claimed that the book "re-invents the myth", considering the access the authors had to the filmmakers (there is a whole section of quotes from virtually everyone associated with the world of Bond), I would say this has to be the best word on the subject. Fortunately, we are spared rambling opinions and are given a great deal of depth, history and insight into how these films have stayed around for so long. Really enjoyed this book and if you are a Bond fan, I think you will, too.
Rating:
Summary: The World is Not Enough
Review: This is the most current difinitive volume on James Bond! You can't put it down once you've picked it up; you have to read something. There are pictures everywhere. You learn about Ian Fleming, each Bond star individually, and so much more. There is a section in the back that focuses on "The Numbers", how much a film rated when it was released, "The Adventures", which gives you a summary of the movie, and "The Filmmakers", which shows cast and crew of the series.
Rating:
Summary: A must have for the Bond fan
Review: This is the story from the creation to the present day and is a not only a fascinating film history in itself, but an perceptive study of how what should have been just another action film became the longest running engagement in cinema history. Definitely to be savored, preferably with a vodka martini, shaken-not stirred.
Rating:
Summary: THE ULTIMATE BOND BOOK
Review: Unfortunately, this is the ultimate, but not the definitive. Not with the ongoing series, as a matter of fact, Bond 21 has just been announced, and it has a name and a director already, despite the fact that producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson don't have a man for the job at hand!
But never mind, this is the kind of book that never gets out of date, it is brilliantly written, not only full of exciting pictures from the series and from behind the scenes, as well, but also, and foremost, it is filled with all the details a hardcore Bond fan would ever dream of.
A true LABOR OF LOVE. The authors are well renowned historians, responsible for the DVD's documentaries, and the outcome are amazing. A very comprehensive book, depicting political, social and economics facts that were intertwined with the films.
One of its most memorable deeds, and remarkable strength is the fact that it comprised not only the official films, but also, the two spin-offs of the series, considered, by many, as "bastards", namely, CASINO ROYALE (1967) and NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN. It also includes some breefing on the american TV broadcasting BBC production as of 1954, CASINO ROYALE, starred by Barry Nelson.
Don't miss out on this one, it is sure a well addition to any Bond lover as well as movie buffs all around.
Rating:
Summary: Best Bond Book EVER!
Review: What a great book! I've read many Bond books and this one is by far the best. First of all, the book itself is gorgeous. It is HUGE and is jam-packed with great color photos. More importantly, though, this coffee table book contains a lot of great information. Not only does it go into detail about all the different Bond movies, but it also gives each film a historical context which makes it easier to understand why certain decisions were made. There are a lot of new Bond factoids that I learned from reading this book, even though I'm a big James Bond fan and thought I knew everything already! "James Bond: The Legacy" is a book that every Bond fan will treasure.
Rating:
Summary: Best Bond Book EVER!
Review: What a great book! I've read many Bond books and this one is by far the best. First of all, the book itself is gorgeous. It is HUGE and is jam-packed with great color photos. More importantly, though, this coffee table book contains a lot of great information. Not only does it go into detail about all the different Bond movies, but it also gives each film a historical context which makes it easier to understand why certain decisions were made. There are a lot of new Bond factoids that I learned from reading this book, even though I'm a big James Bond fan and thought I knew everything already! "James Bond: The Legacy" is a book that every Bond fan will treasure.
Rating:
Summary: An Extraordinary "Legacy"
Review: What a masterful work...Stunning, informative and just simply brilliant. I read it early in the holiday season, dashed out and purchased it for every man over nine on my Christmas list. Bravo Bruce Scivally and John Cork! Thank you.
Rating:
Summary: Great 007 Trivia You'll Love!
Review: With the Bond franchise celebrating its 40th birthday this year, a renewed interest in all things 007 comes as no top secret-but do you want to graduate from casual aficionado to obsessive? Though The Legacy is stocked with exhaustive background information on the entire Bond history, its real allure is the wealth of 007 trivia: Did you know that the real James Bond was an ornithologist? Or that Sean Connery almost played professional soccer? Drier parts are better left to hard-core fans, but if you've ever whistled the theme song, I don't expect you to talk... I expect you to read, and enjoy!
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