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Superspy Science

Science, Death and Tech in the World of James Bond

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About this listen

Bloomsbury presents Superspy Science by Kathryn Harkup, read by Nicky Diss.

‘Witty and well researched.’ THE TIMES
‘A scientific dose of reality.’ MAIL ON SUNDAY
‘A fun and comprehensive exploration.’ LINDA McROBBIE
‘Endlessly fascinating.’ LIBRARY JOURNAL

The science behind James Bond’s exploits – armaments, tactics, plots and enemy tech.

The adventures of James Bond have thrilled listeners since Ian Fleming’s novel Casino Royale was published in 1953, and when the movie of Dr. No was released in 1962, Bond quickly became the world’s favourite secret agent.

Science and technology have always been central to the plots that make up the world of Bond, and in Superspy Science Kathryn Harkup explores the full range of 007’s exploits and the arms, technologies, tactics and downfalls of his various foes. From the practicalities of building a volcano-based lair, to whether being covered in gold paint really will kill you, and – if your plan is to take over the world – whether it is better to use bacteria, bombs, or poison – this book has all the answers and more.

Could our favourite Bond villains actually achieve world domination? Were the huge variety of weapons and technology in Bond’s arsenal from both the films and books ever actually developed in real life? And would 007 actually escape all those close shaves intact? From the plots to the gadgets to the ludicrous ways that his life is threatened, Superspy Science takes an in-depth look at the scientific world of James Bond.

©2022 Kathryn Harkup (P)2022 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
History & Culture Innovations Literary History & Criticism Technology Bad Boy
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This was a great listen and very funny. It will definitely make you think of Bond in a very different light.

Fantastic listen

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The science content is very interesting, but the plot summaries are not, and unfortunately they take up a large portion of the book.

Too much padding

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This is an excellent book, really detailed & great narration. At the intro I had a small panic when the narrator was almost reading a contents page (for X see chapter 13, for Y see chapter 7), but that is just in the intro & nowhere else. Each chapter focuses on one of the 25 Bond films and a specific scientific / technological topic, but then goes into other films related to that topic. For example chapter 3 focuses on Goldfinger as the laser scene, but also covers the use of lasers in Diamonds Are Forever, The Living Daylights, Goldeneye, Die Another Day etc.

Q would be proud!

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Great listen. Enjoy all the technical info given. Good em depth dive into the 007 world.

Bond through the years

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