Some Amazon reviews of the earlier edition 2005 (the latest edition is dated June 16, 2006 and had been updated with more information):

 *****   Required reading for the Fleming/007 fan., October 16, 2005

Reviewer: Gary J. Firuta (NJ, USA)

Did you ever read a book and, when the author throws in an expression or reference to something obscure, wonder if it is a bit of fact or fiction? What that foreign phrase really means? What would be that monetary amount at today's rate? Was there really a full moon on that day?
Well, Ian Fleming was known for being the master of detail when he wrote his 21 adventures of James Bond-007, and John Griswold has written what must be considered the absolute companion to literary world of James Bond.
Mr. Griswold has gone over every detail in the world of FlemingBond and has produced a table book that is both academic for the true fan and, yet, entertaining for the person that just wonders what all the fuss was, and is, about Mr. Fleming's writings that made him one of the most famous authors of the 20th century.
With an eye for research detail that would rival Mr. Fleming, John Griswold shows that there is much more fact in the fictional world that 007 lives in. Full of surprises, his book is a labour of love that should be a fun read for anyone.
Nobody has done it better.

 *****    For the Man Who Has Everything, July 11, 2006

Reviewer: balthazarbork

 Painstakingly researched. Fluently written. This is an above average beside companion to the literary world of James Bond as created by Ian Fleming. A definitive work and highly recommended. Great cover too!

 ****    A wonderful idea, decent execution, June 23, 2006

Reviewer: M. Sincic (Naperville, IL United States)

Mr. Griswold has written a book on a subject that he clearly feels passionate about. I purchased this book after having recently reread the Fleming Bond novels. I recommend te book as a concurrent reference for anyone who plans to read the series; it is less effective as a stand-alone work.

The author does a nice job of filling in the world of James Bond, such as establishing the dates on which events took place (and identifying when those dates conflict with similar "real world" events), describing in detail the various games played in the books (golf, casino, etc.), and tying together far-flung elements to create a cohesive whole (describing and mapping the HQ for the Secret Service).

The book is not without its flaws. For example, some references that appear in multiple stories appear in the Global Glossary, while others are cited for each story. Some of the notes feel like filler (do we really need an entry on Coca-Cola?), while some of the more obscure items are frustratingly under-developed. As a personal preference, I did not care for how the chronologies were written to avoid plot "spoilers"; I think the book could stand on its own better if they were detailed and specific.

All in all, this a good reference for any Bond fan, especially as it considers the novels rather than the films. Most of the issues with the book would probably be fixed with a rigorous editing job (the book appears to be self-published).

My hope is that the Bond novels someday receive the annotated treatment they deserve, notes side-by-side with the stories themselves. Perhaps someone will recognize the author's efforts and hire him to help produce definitive annotated editions.

*****  Everything you ever wanted to know about 007--and then some, June 14, 2006

Reviewer: Michael D. Newton "eyeofnewt"

Kudos to John Griswold for producing the ultimate reference resource on Fleming's original James Bond novels and short stories. It's impossible to imagine any subsequent work on the subject approaching, much less surpassing--this one. Well worth every penny of the retail price, and more. Whenever I reread the classic Bond canon in future, thie volume will be standing by in reserve.

 *****   Great for the true fan., August 15, 2005

Reviewer: J. Prieto (Palo Alto, CA)

I know nothing about James Bond, but my father is a nut about the books, so I got it for his birthday. He loves this book. Loves it. According to him, this book is easily the most comprehensive, informative, and accurate book out there about the James Bond Universe. I would highly recommend it for any Bond fan.

****     A staggering work of research, 30 Dec 2005

Reviewer: A reader
This is quite unlike any other book on Ian Fleming's creation that you are ever likely to read. It is difficult to comprehend the pains that Mr Griswold must have undergone to complete this stunningly comprehensive work.

Two minor criticisms only. Firstly the overwhelmingly comprehensive nature of the cross-referencing and annotations tends to lead to repetition. Secondly, why can't the publishers employ proof-readers? The number of misprints/mistitles is far too high for a monumental work such as this.

One oddity. At the front of my copy it says printed in Indiana, United States of America. At the back it says printed in the United Kingdom. I wonder if they are all like that??

John Griswold response: The above (A staggering work of research), addresses the old edition which is now out of print. The new edition which has a new ISBN has been corrected.  Concerning the front of the editions printed in UK, the publisher is located in Bloomington, Indiana while UK copies are printed by a UK printer.

Copyright © 2006 John Griswold. All Rights Reserved.