The Battle for Bond

Cinema history might have been very different had the first James Bond film not been Dr. No starring Sean Connery in 1962, but Thunderball directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1959 and starring Richard Burton as 007. It sounds preposterous and unbelievable, but it almost happened.

The Battle for Bond unravels the untold story behind the most controversial part of the James Bond legend, using previously unpublished letters and private documents to retell a story in which Ian Fleming found himself in the dock accused of plagiarism. It is a tale of bitter recriminations, betrayal, multi-million-dollar lawsuits and even death.

Regarded within the Bond fan community as one of the most important books ever written about 007, The Battle for Bond was the subject of controversial litigation when it was first published, and for a time it was banned in Britain. A second edition was published, but both versions have been out of print for many years. With this new edition, Robert Sellers revives this fascinating chapter in film history.