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Who out Bonded Bond?
Fellow Agents,
Although Ian Fleming did not create the spy thriller as an art form, in creating Bond,he not only spawned the greatest serial character to ever straddle the literary and cinematic worlds. He also gave the whole genre a reboot of such velocity that more than 59 years after "Casino Royale" we are devouring more spy novels than ever.
Over the years, the genre has seen a plethora of practitioners and we are fortunate to have some of the best writing today. Of the current crop, I particularly like Daniel Silva, Charles Cumming, Alan Furst, and Barry Eisler. Each gives us their own take on the murky spy world but in reality they are as much indebted to the other pioneers of the 60's as they are to Fleming himself. The Bond books may have reset the spy literary scene but it was the other writers, who created the other category sub segments that many of today's practitioners work in.
Indeed, many of the best of the sixties studiously avoided copying Bond and preferred to create their own place in thriller history. Some of them did it very well — some would argue better than Fleming !
Amongst the most notable practitioners of the time were John Le Carre who brought us Smiley, the ultra realistic Whitehall warrior. Len Deighton who gave us the working class anti-hero. Adam Diment who created Philip McAlpine, the pot smoking Kings Road hipster. John Gardner who gave us the coward Oakes, an anti-hero who sub-contacted his assassination assignments to a funeral director. And the late Elleston Trevor (aka Adam Hall) who gave us the gritty Quiller series that managed to combine the realism of Deighton with the pace of Ludlum.
All were new and different. They all concentrated on segmenting and extending the genre rather than taking Fleming on at his own game. The clever studiously stayed away from Bond's terrain until,in 1965, the year after Fleming's death a new writer burst onto the scene with his first novel featuring the sexiest spy ever to drop kick their way into thriller fiction.
The parallels with Fleming's Bond novels were numerous. The exotic locations, the restless changing of scenes, the glamour, the outrageous villains, the sex and the violence were all present but the differences were also numerous. The new kid on the block was a better writer. The plotting was tighter, the characters deeper. You cared more about them. The sex was sexier and the violence was off the Richter scale. We had new unusual weapons and nobody could write unarmed combat scenes like this guy.
The new kid was the late, great Peter O'Donnell and this time around there was a huge difference when it came to the main protagonist.
Our hero's name was Blaise, Modesty Blaise and she could out shoot, out fight and out think all comers.
Furthermore, if Bond was the man that every girl wanted to get between the sheets, Blaise was the women we all wanted to date. But we also wanted to hang out with the ensemble cast. We wanted to meet her spy masters, Tarrent and Ferguson.To be served dinner by her house keeper Weng. And more than anything to become best mates with her side kick, Willie Garvin. The most dangerous man you are ever likely to meet and the only person who could ever match Modesty in hand to hand combat. O'Donnell had not only brought us a great new hero, he'd introduced characters that we all cared about. Something that frankly, Fleming failed to do. Who ever really cared about, M, Tanner, Moneypenny, Boothroyd or any of his other repeat characters? OK, I exaggerate slightly, I might have given Moneypenny a spin but it would have begun and ended there.
The new authors first book was simply called "Modesty Blaise" and it set the literary world alight. Bond was knocked off the top slot and Fleming's last full length novel, "The Man With The Golden Gun," published posthumously in the same year was pale, tired and positively disinteresting by comparison.
O'Donnell had first conceived Blaise in 1963 as an Evening Standard comic. The character was loosely based on a young girl he'd met during the second World War and his decision to write a novel only came about when a film treatment he had written was carved up and he used the plot for his first book.
Between 1965 and 1996, O'Donnell published eleven full length Blaise novels and two collections of short stories. He achieved great critical acclaim and Kingsley Amis famously described Blaise & Garvin as the best thing to hit thriller fiction since Holmes & Watson. The overall standard throughout the series was incredibly high but if I have to pick two for debutants they would be his second, "Sabre Tooth" (1966) and his fourth, "A Taste Of Death" (1969). Read them and you'll fall in love with Blaise forever and I envy you the treat you'll have in store.
Although the fabulously illustrated comic strip continued until 2001, his last book, "Cobra Trap" was published in 1996 and proved to be very controversial because of the way he concluded Blaise & Garvin's careers.
O'Donnell passed away in 2010 ,aged 90, and his expressed wish was that nobody else should write new Modesty Blaise stories. I'm sure his estate will respect that and thankfully, Blaise will avoid the ignominy inflicted on Bond by the likes of Faulks and Deaver
By now many Bond aficionados, who don't know Blaise, will doubtless be asking if all of this is correct, why is Blaise consigned to relative obscurity whilst Bond marches on at such a pace?
The answer I'm afraid is very simple. It's the cinema.
If ever books were perfect for direct screen adaptation it's the Blaise novels. Unfortunately the only movie to hit the big screen was Joseph Losey's 1966 turkey. An appalling film that had nothing in common with O'Donnell's characterisation. It was the cinematic equivalent of starting Bond's screen presence with the spoof version of "Casino Royale" and it's a testimony to the strength of O'Donnell's writing that his novels prospered despite the abuse.
Ironically "Blaisers" live in hope because Quentin Tarantino has long expressed a strong interest in directing a movie. If he ever gets to it, I'm sure he would launch a film franchise that would give 007 a run for his money and I for one would love to invest my hard earned wonga into the project. Success would be guaranteed.
So, fellow agents, despite being a life long 007 aficionado, the truth is now out, the real top spies for me will always be Blaise & Garvin. I just hope it doesn't get me dismissed from the service!
I'd love to hear from you fellow agents who have read the Blaise books or from section members who have other opinions regarding the literary spy that OutBonds Bond - let me know.
Regards,
Bentley
Although Ian Fleming did not create the spy thriller as an art form, in creating Bond,he not only spawned the greatest serial character to ever straddle the literary and cinematic worlds. He also gave the whole genre a reboot of such velocity that more than 59 years after "Casino Royale" we are devouring more spy novels than ever.
Over the years, the genre has seen a plethora of practitioners and we are fortunate to have some of the best writing today. Of the current crop, I particularly like Daniel Silva, Charles Cumming, Alan Furst, and Barry Eisler. Each gives us their own take on the murky spy world but in reality they are as much indebted to the other pioneers of the 60's as they are to Fleming himself. The Bond books may have reset the spy literary scene but it was the other writers, who created the other category sub segments that many of today's practitioners work in.
Indeed, many of the best of the sixties studiously avoided copying Bond and preferred to create their own place in thriller history. Some of them did it very well — some would argue better than Fleming !
Amongst the most notable practitioners of the time were John Le Carre who brought us Smiley, the ultra realistic Whitehall warrior. Len Deighton who gave us the working class anti-hero. Adam Diment who created Philip McAlpine, the pot smoking Kings Road hipster. John Gardner who gave us the coward Oakes, an anti-hero who sub-contacted his assassination assignments to a funeral director. And the late Elleston Trevor (aka Adam Hall) who gave us the gritty Quiller series that managed to combine the realism of Deighton with the pace of Ludlum.
All were new and different. They all concentrated on segmenting and extending the genre rather than taking Fleming on at his own game. The clever studiously stayed away from Bond's terrain until,in 1965, the year after Fleming's death a new writer burst onto the scene with his first novel featuring the sexiest spy ever to drop kick their way into thriller fiction.
The parallels with Fleming's Bond novels were numerous. The exotic locations, the restless changing of scenes, the glamour, the outrageous villains, the sex and the violence were all present but the differences were also numerous. The new kid on the block was a better writer. The plotting was tighter, the characters deeper. You cared more about them. The sex was sexier and the violence was off the Richter scale. We had new unusual weapons and nobody could write unarmed combat scenes like this guy.
The new kid was the late, great Peter O'Donnell and this time around there was a huge difference when it came to the main protagonist.
Our hero's name was Blaise, Modesty Blaise and she could out shoot, out fight and out think all comers.
Furthermore, if Bond was the man that every girl wanted to get between the sheets, Blaise was the women we all wanted to date. But we also wanted to hang out with the ensemble cast. We wanted to meet her spy masters, Tarrent and Ferguson.To be served dinner by her house keeper Weng. And more than anything to become best mates with her side kick, Willie Garvin. The most dangerous man you are ever likely to meet and the only person who could ever match Modesty in hand to hand combat. O'Donnell had not only brought us a great new hero, he'd introduced characters that we all cared about. Something that frankly, Fleming failed to do. Who ever really cared about, M, Tanner, Moneypenny, Boothroyd or any of his other repeat characters? OK, I exaggerate slightly, I might have given Moneypenny a spin but it would have begun and ended there.
The new authors first book was simply called "Modesty Blaise" and it set the literary world alight. Bond was knocked off the top slot and Fleming's last full length novel, "The Man With The Golden Gun," published posthumously in the same year was pale, tired and positively disinteresting by comparison.
O'Donnell had first conceived Blaise in 1963 as an Evening Standard comic. The character was loosely based on a young girl he'd met during the second World War and his decision to write a novel only came about when a film treatment he had written was carved up and he used the plot for his first book.
Between 1965 and 1996, O'Donnell published eleven full length Blaise novels and two collections of short stories. He achieved great critical acclaim and Kingsley Amis famously described Blaise & Garvin as the best thing to hit thriller fiction since Holmes & Watson. The overall standard throughout the series was incredibly high but if I have to pick two for debutants they would be his second, "Sabre Tooth" (1966) and his fourth, "A Taste Of Death" (1969). Read them and you'll fall in love with Blaise forever and I envy you the treat you'll have in store.
Although the fabulously illustrated comic strip continued until 2001, his last book, "Cobra Trap" was published in 1996 and proved to be very controversial because of the way he concluded Blaise & Garvin's careers.
O'Donnell passed away in 2010 ,aged 90, and his expressed wish was that nobody else should write new Modesty Blaise stories. I'm sure his estate will respect that and thankfully, Blaise will avoid the ignominy inflicted on Bond by the likes of Faulks and Deaver
By now many Bond aficionados, who don't know Blaise, will doubtless be asking if all of this is correct, why is Blaise consigned to relative obscurity whilst Bond marches on at such a pace?
The answer I'm afraid is very simple. It's the cinema.
If ever books were perfect for direct screen adaptation it's the Blaise novels. Unfortunately the only movie to hit the big screen was Joseph Losey's 1966 turkey. An appalling film that had nothing in common with O'Donnell's characterisation. It was the cinematic equivalent of starting Bond's screen presence with the spoof version of "Casino Royale" and it's a testimony to the strength of O'Donnell's writing that his novels prospered despite the abuse.
Ironically "Blaisers" live in hope because Quentin Tarantino has long expressed a strong interest in directing a movie. If he ever gets to it, I'm sure he would launch a film franchise that would give 007 a run for his money and I for one would love to invest my hard earned wonga into the project. Success would be guaranteed.
So, fellow agents, despite being a life long 007 aficionado, the truth is now out, the real top spies for me will always be Blaise & Garvin. I just hope it doesn't get me dismissed from the service!
I'd love to hear from you fellow agents who have read the Blaise books or from section members who have other opinions regarding the literary spy that OutBonds Bond - let me know.
Regards,
Bentley
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Comments
I'm a big fan of Len Deighton from those you mention, otherwise I'm unfamiliar with the authors (apart from Le Carre of course).
Thanks for the kind words.
Read "Sabre Tooth" (Amazon £6.74) and let me know what you think.
I reread the whole series every five years or so and it's like visiting old friends. I envy you taking the journey for the first time.
Fasten your seat belt and be prepared to be thrilled!
I'd be particularly interested to know what you think vis a vis Bond.
Regards,
Bentley.
"Sabre Tooth" is just so perfect it will ensure you are captured for life.
The series standard is exceptionally high and, in my opinion, he achieved much more consistency than Fleming. He was a better writer and he never tired of the characters. In fact, I'm quite sure he loved them 'till the day he died.
When you've savoured "Sabre Tooth", you will be addicted.
Although there are no real weaknesses in his catalogue, the one that I like least is "I Lucifer" ( that gets four instead of five stars). Interestingly, this is the one that Tarantino would like to film.
Good luck and let me know what you think.
Regards,
Bentley
One of the prizes of my collection is a run of the Peter O'Donnell novels, released a few years ago by Penguin India (in English, but only in the Indian market), which has the coolest spine art when placed in order:
Besides that - the Bourne series is a guilty pleasure of mine - and I have liked the films too (except for the latest one!).
I also love Harry Palmer as a sort of anti-Bond, the guy who comes home with his own groceries - and cooks for women rather than womanises and takes them for expensive meals haha Palmer is a character that is strange in that, unlike Bond and Bourne - he has not been reincarnated.
Finally - I don't know if it existed as a book first - but I love the character of Limus played by Richard Burton in the Spy Who Came in from the Cold.
Bentley your bang on with your assessment and you're right to reccomend new readers start with SABRETOOTH, what an openning to a story! That's the novel that Tara should film first, though I always understood A TASTE FOR DEATH was his favourite and it is mine also. I would rather have somebody else direct and Tara to produce, because basically I don't want a Tara film, I want a Modesty Blaise film. Kingsly Amis thought I LUCIFER was very clever and one thing that made it ingenious was how the villains covered the tracks of the money trail. Nic Nak and all you others who are about to discover Blaise you have an incredible treat in store. I'll come back later to offer you my opinion on the casting of some of these novels if they had been filmed in the 70's. But I'll close with the Blaise scenes in the last 2 Bond films ? Casino - M's apartment layout, so close to Modesty's penthouse description. 007 seated by consul in perfect alligment as Garvin and his Princess (student & mentor). In Quantum, it's Willie and Modesty in disheveld evening attire, Modesty in bare feet walking out of the wilderness. Later they wait in preparation for their assault, calm and collected. Now a quick shout out to you Photoshop wizards for posters for Modesty films, on your marks...
Sir,
What a fabulous collection from Penguin!
I love the way the spine art works.
With the exception of "Modesty Blaise", which I bought as a Pan paperback in 1966, I had all of the others in first edition hardback. Unfortunately, that is not the case today but I do have a nice collection of reprints that feature the original hardcover art - frankly, I wish that Fleming's publishers would do the same with the Bond books.
I'd love to see the front of these Indian editions. Do you think you could post an example?
Regards,
Bentley
What a great post!
I'd love to have your ideas on as to who would play Blaise & Garvin.This casting challenge is one of my favourite mind games but I'll keep my powder dry until you've had your say.
The points you make about Tarantino are very interesting. I understand that his idea was to stay faithful to the books and evidently, after his ideas for "Casino Royale" fell flat, he has become even more obsessed with creating an English spy franchise to take on Bond and there's even been talk of him adapting Len Deighton's Sampson books. Personally, I want to see him do Blaise.
Interestingly enough, in 2003 Tarantino "sponsored" a direct to DVD film entitled "My Name Is Modesty", with a plot line based on Blaise's early life. It was rumoured to be a place holder to keep an option deal alive. Let's pray - we live in hope!
Regards,
Bentley
The front covers are a bit simplistic, unfortunately. You can see them here:
http://www.modestyblaisebooks.com/foreigncovers/india/india.html
Modesty:
Willie:
This is the most telepathic conversation I've ever had on line and I think the spirit of Peter O'Donnell is urging us on.
Firstly, LeQueux, your suggestions for a '60s/70s casting are so creative they make me feel like a novice. I love your idea of casting the late Leonard Rossiter as Frasier and your proposal to have "The Goodlife" stars as Dinah & Steven Collier shows a level of imagination and empathy that leaves me feeling unworthy of the casting challenge (and how spooky is this - yes, I do remember seeing Kendal play that blind girl in that episode of "Man In A Suitcase". As fare as Willie is concerned, you have it nailed. Michael Caine was always the man I had in mind. But you are so correct about his physicality, we would spend half the movie with a body double (poor old Michael couldn't fight his way out of a paper bag!). Now as for, James Fox or Larry Lamb I hadn't thought of either of them but they are brilliant ideas and frankly be it big or small screen either would have made a good fist of it. Last but most important of all, "The Princess" - Daliah Lavi, I get. Glenda Jackson, I'm very surprised but please, please continue .......
Secondly, GMSkarka, for a present day casting - Statham is an complete ten and he is my absolute first choice . The role would be the making of him and would put him into the 007 league and for any doubting Thomas who thinks Jason hasn't the acting chops - see "The Bank Job" and then eat your hat! Failing JS, I sometimes think of Ewan McGregor but I'm not sure he has the physicality for it albeit I was once on holiday in Jamaica and I saw him play tennis in and the boy can get around the court! With regards to Modesty - the photo is as hot as hell and visually so correct but who the blazes is she - I just can't place her. Please put me out of my misery and then I'll share my current choice.
Warm regards,
Bentley.
That's Gemma Arteton, who played (albeit with red hair) "Agent Fields" in Quantum of Solace.
This is very interesting.
First off, GMSkarka, apologies for not recognising Arteton but she just looks so like Modesty it blows my mind (amongst other things, it's her neck - remember how O'Donnell used to describe it) and I agree with this casting decision 100%! I saw Aterton in a movie called "The Disapearance of Alice Creed" and I remember thinking Blaise, Blaise, Blaise and I agree completely with LeQueux that the visual dynamic between her and DC in QS was very Willie & Modestyesque. That said, the rest of that movie was complete bunkum! If we need a back-up choice for Modesty I could vote for Milan Kunis (Black Swan) but would love to hear other suggestions but they'll have to go some to beat Aterton.
With regards to Willie, LeQueux is so right when to say that we must consider the relationship dynamics between M&W when we make the decision. Frankly, the project would stand and fall on this point and this is why GMSkarka is right with Statham and why he is also my first choice. After "The Bank Job", I seriously think he could manage it and I can see him cultivating that relationship with Aterton. Jason certainly has the physicality for the role and although I take LeQueux's point about Statham becoming a charactature of himself. I don't blame him. It's somewhat inevitable until that role comes along - and Garvin is the role for him! But if we need a fall back, could it be Ewan McGregor?
Now, pertaining to the definitive O'Donnell fight scene - this is like picking the best main course in NYC's "Four Seasons" restaurant. I'll have to give it some thought and get back to you but LeQueux is correct to say that PO injected tension and Raison d'être like no other and he made Fleming's stuff look like playground disagreements.
As to has Tarantino actually read the books. I don't know. He's a big comic strip buff so maybe that's we're he got his inspiration?
But I'll get back to the fight scene aspect. There is a lot to consider.
Regards,
Bentley.
Big fan of Silva,Eisler and Gardner.
Sebastian Faulks "Devil may care" blows me away.More Bond than Fleming.All the elements in I.F. books are there,introduced quite naturally.
Cannot for the life of me understand why it has not been picked up by Eon.
Dear NicNac,
Don't delay. Cancel everything, dive in now and don't forget to keep us posted.
I can't wait to hear a first timers review !
Regards,
Bentley.
Dear wildboonjive,
Go to it. You've no idea how I envy you reading Blaise for the first time.
The only problem is, you'll be spoiled for the future. All else will appear pale by comparison.
Regards,
Bentley
With the unprecedented success of Mendes' fabulous "Skyfall" clear for all to see and the espionage/thriller category revived under Hollywood's nose, it will be interesting to see if Tarantino or somebody else gets behind the "Blaise" franchise.
It's completely there for the taking and it is so ironic that these great diamonds remain in the rough.
When I see the BBC's very average "Hunted" aired with it's Blaise inspired heroine, I can only weep but maybe, "Skyfall" will give a serious team the nudge we need?
Regards,
Bentley
Bentley & LeQueux have it nailed. Blaise would be the perfect subject for a new spy franchise.
My dad gave me the books to read and they are all simply brilliant. Way ahead of Fleming.
My only slight reservation is the proposal that Tarantino directs because I don't think he'd respect the novels and maybe it would be better to have Christopher Nolan?
I'd love there to be another spy franchise that is grittier than Bond but with an equal dose of the taste for the exotic.