Publication
Whole Story Audio Books (2015), Edition: Unabridged Audiobook 6 CDs, 6 pages
Original publication date
1960-04-11
Collections
Genres
Subjects
Description
"Sudden emergencies and beautiful girls who aren't quite what they seem are the stock-in-trade of James Bond. And when 007 is on the case there's only one thing you can be sure of - the result will be thrilling. Whether he's dealing with the assassination of a Cuban thug in America, the destruction of an international heroin ring, or sudden death in the Seychelles, Bond gets the job done. In his own suave and unmistakable style."--BOOK JACKET.
User reviews
LibraryThing member antiquary
This is a very mixed bag. Some of these stores I like very much -- "From a View to a Kill" may be my favorite Bond story for its clean efficiency. I also like "for Your Eyes Only" and Risico" despite the fact that the most amusing character turns out to be a villain. On the other hand, Quantum of
Show More
Solace and The Hildebrand Rarity" are hardly Bond stories at all, and I find "Quantum of Solace" almost unbearably sad for both members of the couple. I have to say I think it makes a valid point about the necessary mutual solace in a relationship. In terms of the writing, it may be one of Fleming's best pieces, but it is the reverse of enjoyable. There is a bit more satisfaction in "Hildebrand Rarity" since the victim is such a caricature nasty bully that he deserves what he gets, but even so it is hardly pleasant. My 4 is a compromise between 5 for "view", 4 for "For Your Eyes" and RIsico" and 2 for the other two. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookswamp
Bond no. 8, 1960, short stories. The reader will find one or the other of the short stories in the movies again.
LibraryThing member tyroeternal
I think that the short stories of For Your Eyes Only were a refreshing addition to the Bond series. Each story was enjoyably short and made for good light reading. It provided a nice change of pace to a series full of books that follow the same page count and rhythm story after story.
LibraryThing member polarbear123
This book kept my appetite going for Bond - although the only scene or character I can think that transferred to film was the girl who wanted to get revenge for her parents' killers - I maybe wrong though. A couple of the stories ended oddly for me - a bit too abruptly. I guess that is the nature
Show More
of the short story - I do prefer the full length novels it has to be said, they are a totally different discipline as well I think. Looking forward to Thunderball!! Show Less
LibraryThing member comfypants
Some pretty good stories, only somewhat marred by Fleming's usual faults.
LibraryThing member sferguson
A very good collection of short stories that, at least for me, furthered my understanding of Bond as written by Fleming. There are certain aspects of Bond that are, perhaps, clearer in these stories than in the full novels that I have read (although I must admit my reading of Bond novels is not
A very good collection of stories that will definitely entertain any fans of thriller-type fiction, while also providing Bond with some rather unique settings and storylines. Well worth the read.
Show More
overly thorough at this time).A very good collection of stories that will definitely entertain any fans of thriller-type fiction, while also providing Bond with some rather unique settings and storylines. Well worth the read.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Bridgey
For Your Eyes Only - Ian Fleming ****
The first of the James Bond short story collections. Although many of the title's have been used for the films, the storylines are in no way similar.
I am not normally a fan of short stories as I find them difficult to get into. However these are in no way your
I won't give a run down on the plot for each one but I have to say that in my opinion the best storyline was saved until last. The Hildebrand Rarity has enough mystery and intrigue to make the reader wish for sequel. I hated leaving the book wondering what had happened.
Nearly as good as the novels, and don't be put off by the format.
The first of the James Bond short story collections. Although many of the title's have been used for the films, the storylines are in no way similar.
I am not normally a fan of short stories as I find them difficult to get into. However these are in no way your
Show More
standard flick through tales. I suppose that they could all be labelled more of a novella. Although Bond features in each one he is not always the main character. For example in Quantum of Solace, Bond is told the story and takes a back seat to learn a valuable lesson of revenge. Different themes are explored and Bond's personal relationship with 'M' comes under scrutiny in For your eyes only, allowing us to see the actual person behind the letters.I won't give a run down on the plot for each one but I have to say that in my opinion the best storyline was saved until last. The Hildebrand Rarity has enough mystery and intrigue to make the reader wish for sequel. I hated leaving the book wondering what had happened.
Nearly as good as the novels, and don't be put off by the format.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ptdilloway
This is actually a collection of 5 Bond tales. The first three: A View to a Kill, For Your Eyes Only, and Quantum of Solace have had their titles used for movies, though I suspect the stories are very different. The last two have not been used. These are mostly miniature versions of the full-length
That is all.
Show More
Bond stories. Quantum of Solace is the standout as it does not involve Bond as a central character. Rather he's told the story of a married couple's unraveling and what it reveals about human nature.That is all.
Show Less
LibraryThing member crashmyparty
I was a bit confused when I picked up this book - I didn't realise it was a book of short stories at first and when I got to the end of the first story I was disappointed. But then, once I'd realised, I quite enjoyed the stories. Fleming is a great author.
LibraryThing member leslie.98
This collection of 5 Bond short stories is a fun read, but Bond does better in the full-length novels than in the short story format in my opinion.
LibraryThing member nwdavies
Didn't realise at first that it's 5 short stories. Easy to read, quite entertaining. Very dated in the attitude towards women but I was expecting that and it's not uncommon in older books. Couple of the stories could have been about anyone, the James Bond character simply a convenient and
Show More
well-known one to use, so they're not all spy stories, which was actually a nice surprise. Next I will have to try one of the novels. I've never been a huge fan of the movies, which is probably why I never read any of the books, but I enjoyed this one. Show Less
LibraryThing member cinesnail88
With this Bond book I entered a new realm: the short story collection. This one contains five of them, and at first I was very pessimistic. The first story was flat and disappointing. Three of the others, however, proved to be much more intriguing. 'For Your Eyes Only', 'Quantum of Solace', and
Show More
particularly 'The Hildebrand Rarity' were truly excellent and brought the book back on its feet. Show Less
LibraryThing member Justantolin
As a collection of stories of James Bond's various, exotic assignments, For Your Eyes Only is a true success. The layout is unique, as Fleming effortless bounces from plot to plot, villain to villain, and locale to locale. If you can appreciate short, unending action scenes that will keep you on
Show More
the edge of your chair with anticipation and excitement, For Your Eyes Only is for you. Show Less
LibraryThing member Stahl-Ricco
4 good, short stories about my favorite spy, 007! I say 4, because I did not like one of them.
"From a View to a Kill" is a really good read! Super cool rose bush hiding place! And Bond on a motorbike!
"For Your Eyes Only" sees M at his most personal, and dare I say vulnerable? 007 on a mission of
"Quantum of Solace" is not about Bond at all, so I didn't like it. Well, except for the revenge the jilted husband gets. Totally uninspiring read. I disliked almost as much as I did the movie of the same name! And apart from their titles, they are totally different! Except for my disdain for them...
"Risico" is a good, strong story! Two smugglers, Kristatos and Colombo, trying to get 007 to kill their opposite! And raw opium to boot! It appears almost in its entirety as a scene in the movie "For Your Eyes Only"!
And finally, "The Hildebrand Rarity", the name of a specimen of rare fish, with the very unlikeable "feller", Mr. Milton Krest. I mean really, who on earth calls 007 "Jim"? The opening scene of Bond hunting the sting ray is top notch! The subject of spousal abuse is a bit too casually explored, using the spiny tail of a ray, no less. Despite that, I really liked the who-done-it ending!
"From a View to a Kill" is a really good read! Super cool rose bush hiding place! And Bond on a motorbike!
"For Your Eyes Only" sees M at his most personal, and dare I say vulnerable? 007 on a mission of
Show More
revenge! The opening scene of this tale is really strong, and sad. And I love a dangerous girl with a bow! The diving board assassination appears in the movie version of "For Your Eyes Only"."Quantum of Solace" is not about Bond at all, so I didn't like it. Well, except for the revenge the jilted husband gets. Totally uninspiring read. I disliked almost as much as I did the movie of the same name! And apart from their titles, they are totally different! Except for my disdain for them...
"Risico" is a good, strong story! Two smugglers, Kristatos and Colombo, trying to get 007 to kill their opposite! And raw opium to boot! It appears almost in its entirety as a scene in the movie "For Your Eyes Only"!
And finally, "The Hildebrand Rarity", the name of a specimen of rare fish, with the very unlikeable "feller", Mr. Milton Krest. I mean really, who on earth calls 007 "Jim"? The opening scene of Bond hunting the sting ray is top notch! The subject of spousal abuse is a bit too casually explored, using the spiny tail of a ray, no less. Despite that, I really liked the who-done-it ending!
Show Less
LibraryThing member bcrowl399
Ian Fleming writes a wonderful short story. The titles have since been made into full length movies with the exception of Risico and The Hildebrand Rarity. The Hildebrand Rarity had the most impact for me because of the sad ecological result. Fleming's characters are fully formed even in a short
Show More
story format. And James Bond shines as always. Show Less
LibraryThing member Helenliz
This consisted of 5 short stories, the titles of 3 of which were familiar as being film titles. The contents of the tales, however, were not necessarily familiar from what I remembered of the films. In each they are firmly rooted in a post war world, and there is a lot of descriptve detail, such
Narrated by Samuel West, it's very well done and I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Show More
that the period is clearly evoked The stories are also quite different from the films in terms of tone and attitude to women. In a few stories Bond admires a woman, but it does not end up in bed, or even there being any indication that that could happen. Narrated by Samuel West, it's very well done and I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Stevil2001
This isn't the eighth James Bond novel, but rather the first James Bond short story collection. There are five in total, varying from typical Bond spycraft in short story form to more literary, domestic tales.
"From a View to a Kill" and "Risico" are the more typical Bond tales here; the first has
"For Your Eyes Only" and "The Hildebrand Rarity" are a little more personal than normal. In the former, M sends Bond on a personal mission of vengeance, while in the latter, a vacationing Bond discovers an abusive marriage, a problem beyond the powers of Britain's top spy to do anything about. I liked both of these. "For Your Eyes" has another captivating woman for Bond to interact with, while "Hildebrand Rarity" is surprisingly interesting and complicated and violent.
The least Bondian story here is "Quantum of Solace," which is mostly a story a civil servant is telling Bond about a bad marriage. I really enjoyed it, and it's pretty clever what Fleming does with Bond here. The story would work on its own regardless as a horrific but all too plausible story of human cruelty, but having it framed with James Bond coming off an exciting adventure gives it a little extra oomph: "Suddenly the violent dramatics of his own life seemed very hollow." It leads to a nice moment of self-reflection for a man not terribly prone to it.
On the whole, I enjoyed the book. Fleming's spare style is suited to the short story, and some of his novels struggle to fill up a novel's worth of space, I think (e.g., Moonraker and Goldfinger), so giving him less space to work with fits his strengths as a writer.
"From a View to a Kill" and "Risico" are the more typical Bond tales here; the first has
Show More
Bond defeating a Soviet plot to intercept NATO intelligence despatches, while "Risico" sends Bond undercover to defeat a drug-smuggling operation. I enjoyed the former, imbued as it is with Fleming's usual attention to detail, and also a captivating female character that I wish we saw more of. On the other hand, "Risico" didn't seem to offer anything new."For Your Eyes Only" and "The Hildebrand Rarity" are a little more personal than normal. In the former, M sends Bond on a personal mission of vengeance, while in the latter, a vacationing Bond discovers an abusive marriage, a problem beyond the powers of Britain's top spy to do anything about. I liked both of these. "For Your Eyes" has another captivating woman for Bond to interact with, while "Hildebrand Rarity" is surprisingly interesting and complicated and violent.
The least Bondian story here is "Quantum of Solace," which is mostly a story a civil servant is telling Bond about a bad marriage. I really enjoyed it, and it's pretty clever what Fleming does with Bond here. The story would work on its own regardless as a horrific but all too plausible story of human cruelty, but having it framed with James Bond coming off an exciting adventure gives it a little extra oomph: "Suddenly the violent dramatics of his own life seemed very hollow." It leads to a nice moment of self-reflection for a man not terribly prone to it.
On the whole, I enjoyed the book. Fleming's spare style is suited to the short story, and some of his novels struggle to fill up a novel's worth of space, I think (e.g., Moonraker and Goldfinger), so giving him less space to work with fits his strengths as a writer.
Show Less
LibraryThing member KevinRubin
"For Your Eyes Only" is a book of a few short James Bond stories, some of which have titles recognizable from the movies but aren't related otherwise.
Several take place at the waning days of the British Empire with Bond investigating things in remote parts of the empire with regional governors
In "A View to a Kill" he investigates a spy ring intercepting the allies' motorcycle couriers, turning himself into the bait for them once he figures out how they're probably operating.
"For Your Eyes Only" is probably the best one, with Bond sent by M to investigate, and unstated, avenge, the murders of one of M's oldest friends (M was the best man at their wedding) who was a property owner in a Caribbean island, which was desired by a Cuban gangster ready to kill for it. Of course, M isn't the only one out for vengeance, and Bond soon runs into the old couple's daughter, well armed herself.
In "Quantum of Solace" Bond is stuck in a discussion after a formal dinner with the governor of Jamaica because it's too earlier to be polite to leave. Neither of them particularly likes the other, but formalities must be observed. By the end, though, they have a good storytelling session and understand one another a bit better.
"Risico" has a plot that forms some of the basis of the movie "For Your Eyes Only" with Bond getting involved with a Greek smuggler cooperating with British Intelligence in order to investigate another one. But who is who, and who is using whom?
In "The Hildebrand Rarity" Bond is stuck after a job in Seychelles with little to do except dive, so a rude, obnoxious, drunken, American millionaire, Krest, hires him, not knowing he's really a top-notch spy, to hunt down a very rare fish for him to take home so a science foundation will pay for his expensive yacht. Throughout the hunting Bond stays on Krest's yacht and is treated like a servant, abused and yelled at by Krest, but not as badly as Krest's very young wife. By the end Krest is found dead with the fish shoved into his throat, and no one knows who did it.
Several take place at the waning days of the British Empire with Bond investigating things in remote parts of the empire with regional governors
Show More
telling him about "the natives" even as their own power is diminishing.In "A View to a Kill" he investigates a spy ring intercepting the allies' motorcycle couriers, turning himself into the bait for them once he figures out how they're probably operating.
"For Your Eyes Only" is probably the best one, with Bond sent by M to investigate, and unstated, avenge, the murders of one of M's oldest friends (M was the best man at their wedding) who was a property owner in a Caribbean island, which was desired by a Cuban gangster ready to kill for it. Of course, M isn't the only one out for vengeance, and Bond soon runs into the old couple's daughter, well armed herself.
In "Quantum of Solace" Bond is stuck in a discussion after a formal dinner with the governor of Jamaica because it's too earlier to be polite to leave. Neither of them particularly likes the other, but formalities must be observed. By the end, though, they have a good storytelling session and understand one another a bit better.
"Risico" has a plot that forms some of the basis of the movie "For Your Eyes Only" with Bond getting involved with a Greek smuggler cooperating with British Intelligence in order to investigate another one. But who is who, and who is using whom?
In "The Hildebrand Rarity" Bond is stuck after a job in Seychelles with little to do except dive, so a rude, obnoxious, drunken, American millionaire, Krest, hires him, not knowing he's really a top-notch spy, to hunt down a very rare fish for him to take home so a science foundation will pay for his expensive yacht. Throughout the hunting Bond stays on Krest's yacht and is treated like a servant, abused and yelled at by Krest, but not as badly as Krest's very young wife. By the end Krest is found dead with the fish shoved into his throat, and no one knows who did it.
Show Less
LibraryThing member aadyer
A brilliant collection of short stories, each unique, and perhaps unintentionally, each giving a different perspective on James Bond’s character. Better in some ways than the films of the same names, and at times, taut and suspenseful. Great for short story lovers and those that want more of the
Show More
1950-1960’s Bond Mythos. Show Less
LibraryThing member leslie.98
This collection of 5 Bond short stories is a fun read, but Bond does better in the full-length novels than in the short story format in my opinion.
LibraryThing member JBarringer
Bond is as patronizing as usual, and the stories in this book feature several other men who make Bond look wonderful by comparison. He does get to have a little compassion for non-human victims in the last story, which adds a little balance to his character, and the women in general are a lot
Show More
tougher than he gives them credit for. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
1471295915 / 9781471295911
Physical description
6 p.; 6.57 inches
Pages
6