In The 1980s, these Turkish editions of Fleming's Bond novels featured original covers with Roger Moore as the beloved super spy. He's even on the cover of films that Connery starred in.

James Bond was already described quite accurately in the novel From Russia, With Love (1957). "Name: Bond, James." Height: 183 cm; weight: 76 kg; slim build; eyes: blue; hair: black; scar on right cheek and left shoulder; all-rounder athlete, expert pistol shooter, boxer, knife thrower; does not resort to disguise. Languages : French and German - Smokes a lot (NB: special cigarettes with three gold rings); vices: alcohol, but without excess, and of course, women”. Also, in two other novels he is described similar to the singer Hoagy Carmichael.

The Hollywood Reporter has recently published a note written by lan Fleming in 1957 describing his concept of James Bond’s appearance. The note reads “In general, I think we should avoid giving Bond an American face and a duck haircut” (the duck hairdo was a very popular look in the 40s and 50s).

The description comes from a paper (of which only this testimony remains) between the author and John McLusky (1923-2006), the artist who made the comic book adaptations of James Bond in the famous daily strips published by the Daily Express from 1958 to 1966, anticipating the film versions. The note was found by the illustrator's son Sean McLusky and is up for auction at London's A Gallery.

In addition to providing very specific directions to the comic book artist, and even before the big screen appearance of Sean Connery in the collective memory, Fleming already had quite a clear idea about his character, so much so that even before he exchanged views with McLusky he had already commissioned a portrait. from 007 to another artist to give him an idea.