The staying power of the world's most dashing secret agent and the evolution of the James Bond franchise are explored in this smart yet nostalgic collection of essays. Leading writers, including Raymond Benson, J.A. Konrath, Raelynn Hillhouse, and John Cox, discuss the ten sexiest Bond girls, the best villains, and the controversy surrounding the latest actor to play James Bond. Topics covered range from the playful--how to build a secret lair and avoid the perennial mistakes made by would-be world dominators--to the thought-provoking, such as Bond's place in the modern world, his Oedipal tendencies and perceived misogyny, and the unerring allure of the charming spy.

Writings by Raymond Benson, J. A. Konrath, and many more on the secret agent and pop-culture icon.   In this book about the world's most dashing secret agent and the evolution of the James Bond franchise, leading writers including Raymond Benson, J. A. Konrath, Raelynn Hillhouse, and John Cox discuss the ten sexiest Bond girls, the best villains, and the battles over which actor should play the incomparable superspy.   Topics covered range from the playful--how to build a secret lair and avoid the perennial mistakes made by would-be world dominators--to the thought-provoking, such as Bond's place in the modern world, his Oedipal tendencies and perceived misogyny, and his unerring allure. It's a feast for fans who can't get enough of their hero.