LONDON (Reuters) - A warship moored in the Thames and Royal Marines mounted guard on Tuesday to mark the return to action of the world's most famous spy, James Bond, in a new novel.
"Devil May Care", published on Wednesday, is the latest adventure for the hard-drinking, womanizing action hero created by Ian Fleming and adored by millions worldwide through 14 books and a series of blockbuster films.
Penned by British novelist Sebastian Faulks at the request of Fleming's estate the novel is set in 1967 and portrays the ageing licensed killer as vulnerable and damaged but with an undiminished sex drive.
Publication marks the centenary of Fleming's birth.
To honor Bond's code name 007, Faulks signed seven copies of the book, which were then taken under guard from HMS Exeter to a book store in central London ahead of publication.
Faulks is better known for his wartime novels such as "Charlotte Gray" and "Birdsong". He admits he was somewhat daunted when asked to write as Fleming, describing it as counter-casting.
But the idea grew on him and he warmed to the task, emulating Fleming's rigid work schedule and studying his plot lines and prose for inspiration.
"In his house in Jamaica, Ian Fleming used to write a thousand words in the morning, then go snorkeling, have a cocktail, lunch on the terrace, more diving, another thousand words in late afternoon, then more Martinis and glamorous women," said Faulks.
