All About Bond
- Review -
By Adam Carter
November, 2012
On October 25, 2012, just two days after the SkyFall Royal World Premiere,
I was invited by Cinema Retro Magazine to a private viewing
of Terry O'Neill's "All About Bond" exhibition that ran
from Sept 13-Nov 4, 2012, at the Proud Gallery in Chelsea, London.
Featuring images straight out of his book of the same name,
I was astounded at the number of photographs on show.
After a wonderful evening, and a couple of weeks later,
a copy of the book arrived on my doorstep from publishers, Evans Mitchell.
 
Feeling much like a coffee table book, some 192 pages takes us
through 50 years of Bond from the 1960s right up to 2012,
covering the eras of Sir Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Sir Roger Moore,
Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.
It also takes a look back at the unofficial Bond films including cast members
Woody Allen, David Niven and Peter Sellers, as well as Ursula Andress; the original Bond girl.
With seldom-seen photographs--some published for the first time--we are taken
on an exploration of Bond from what feels like a very personal viewpoint.
This is not simply a book detailing cast and crew with interesting interviews and observations,
and a few photographs; it is much more than that. It is a book containing images
that reel us in showing the joys, the laughter and, dare I say, the humanity of Bondian life.
O'Neill--dubbed the man with the golden lens in Bond circles--is a master of the camera.
Completely self-taught, his images capture moments in Bond history that
not only bring us closer to the actors but provides an insight not normally seen;
specifically several candid shots of Sir Sean Connery
that puts the quintessential Bond in a whole different light.
 
Godfrey Smith--writer for The Sunday Times--gives an intriguing recollection
of the man who created James Bond; his friend, Ian Fleming.
Joe Dunn--expert motoring writer--talks about the iconic cars of Bond
from the Aston Martin DB5 to the Lotus Esprit, whilst GQ magazine's Dylan Jones
examines the trend-setting fashion evolution of the series.
A number of the Bond girls including Honor Blackman, Joanna Lumley and Maryam d'Abo
also contribute with their own memories of what 007 did for them,
with new photos of Maud Adams and Britt Ekland making appearances too.
All About Bond is a perfect companion to any film fan's collection,
and an essential purchase if you haven't already got your copy.
It takes you into a world that was--until now--predominently hidden from public view,
so whether you put it on your bookshelf or on your coffee table,
All About Bond is sure to strike up engaging conversation and conjure up memories
covering 50 years of the most legendary spy in all fiction.
You can purchase the book from Amazon for only £19.16 by clicking HERE!
Or you can purchase the LIMITED EDITION (500 copies)
LUXURY SLIPCASE version EXCLUSIVELY HERE for just £29.95:
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