The Lost Adventures of James Bond: Timothy Dalton’s Third and Fourth Bond Films, James Bond Jr., and Other Unmade or Forgotten 007 Projects

In “The Many Lives of James Bond” (2019) Mark Edlitz demonstrated that he is one of the most formidable Bond authorities around, joining the ranks of such Bond experts as Ajay Chowdhury and Matthew Field (“Some Kind of Hero”), Raymond Benson (“The James Bond Bedside Companion”), James Chapman (“License to Thrill”), and among a handful of others, Robert Sellers (“The Battle for James Bond”).As with “The Many Lives of James Bond,” the author’s super-smart and often revelatory collection of interviews with many both well-known and more obscure artists who have contributed to the world of James Bond (actors, directors, screen and continuation novel writers, comic book writers and illustrators, among others), his new book, “The Lost Adventures of James Bond,” proves that the world of James Bond is a great deal wider and deeper than it is generally thought to be. Just for instance, so far six actors have played Bond in the Eon movies. Edlitz has identified 34 actors who have played the spy in other media, including video games, television, and radio dramas.In “The Lost Adventures…” Edlitz unearths loads of new information and fresh insights about Bond based on the unmade, forgotten, out-of-print, uncompleted, and obscure Bond projects that he has tracked down. He describes in detail scripts (by Michael G. Wilson and others) that were being worked on and that might have become Timothy Dalton’s third and fourth outings as 007; and he explains the circumstances that sadly, and somewhat unwittingly, led to those movies not being made.He continuously widens our perspective and often whets our appetites when, for example, he talks with John Landis (“An American Werewolf in London”) about his unused ideas for “The Spy Who Loved Me” and Nicholas Meyer (“Star Trek II”) about his ideas for “Tomorrow Never Dies.” He delivers details about all sorts of Bond adventures that very few people know exist (such as a series of 59 James Bond comic books, many of them based on Fleming’s work, in which the illustrated hero resembles Sean Connery). He introduces us to unproduced or unavailable Bond adventures for different media, among them print, stage, and screen (such as the animated TV series “James Bond Jr.”). And in addition to lots more, he even reveals Sean Connery’s “lost” final and never publicly to be seen performance as Bond.“The Lost Adventures of James Bond” and “The Many Lives of James Bond” are indispensable for serious Bond fans.

Mark is an excellent author on the subject of Bond, James Bond. The forgotten stories of Timothy Dalton's unmade movies are fascinating. Tim was my 2nd favorite Bond007 after Sean Connery. To hear the stories of the plans they had for Dalton's 3rd and 4th film, are great. It made me sad to think the Studio's legal battles nix these films. Compounded by 6 and a half years of no Bond films. I would have loved to see Tim in Goldeneye. Alas, when he saw no Bond Flicks being made for the foreseeable future he quit. If your a Bond 007 fan?: It's a must read, even if you not, it is a fascinating look into the movie industry thinks, and works.

If you are a Tim Dalton fan it would be great.

As always, Edlitz offers a unique and well presented wealth of information for serious Bond fans. Readable and informative; providing a number of previously undocumented aspects of the James Bond character. It is a “one of its kind” resource for any Bond Bookshelf.

The main reason for obtaining the book was to learn about the unmade Timothy Dalton Bond movies. It was successful from that perspective. This also includes information on unmade Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan films. It covers a lot of ground on how writers are selected, interaction with Cubby Broccoli and then the studios. Some names will surprise you! These chapters are essential.On the downside, the price is exorbitant, especially for a softcover book. This was self published, but still over $30 is very high for what you get. Information about James Bond Jr., comic books and video games could've been discussed elsewhere. These factors lowered my rating.For the Bond fan, yes, there's important information, but the other half ventures 007 into Comic Con territory. Whether to recommend is a judgment call.

Timothy Dalton was my favorite Bond, so I enjoyed reading about the follow up movies that never got made, even as I regret their fate. Reading books like this, such as Bill Warren's "Keep Watching The Skies," makes one appreciate what a fickle and complicated business movie making is. Filmmakers must grapple with: the challenge to come up with attention grabbing story lines that don't get too ridiculous, studio finances, cultural trends, and a wild cast of eccentric characters. Edlitz's book zips along at a nice pace, with enough detail to be satisfying, but which doesn't get bogged down in minutia.

This book is well written and includes information that will be new to 95% of the Bond fans in the world. I especially enjoyed the discussion of the treatments that had been written as possible movies for Timothy Dalton.

I tend to support the work of Bond fans, in some cases is easy because of the good quality of the delivered product but this particular book is not what I was expecting. Most of the content is composed of interviews to people related to some derivative works, like comics and the James Bond Jr. TV series. Don't get me wrong, I love the franchise in general but some of the interviews are too long, most of the anwers show that the people involved in those productions, more than 30 years ago, are not Bond enthusiasts and are plainly annoyed to be asked about their roles, specially when their works weren't appreciated at that time. In terms of quality, well the book should have been titled The Lost Adventures of James Bond Jr. and it would have been nice to have some people to proof read it. before publishing it. There are repeated paragraphs, mixed names and several pages are duplicated. I read about 90% of it until I decided to quit, the stories are really boring and the only real Lost thing here was my money and my time.

Mark Once again dives deep into an unknown world of James Bond to the Bond Fan. Detailed accounts of Dalton's Potential 3rd and 4th films, along with interviews, behind the scenes and an exploration of other "Lost" Bond projects. An absolute Joy to read!

Un libro buenísimo que aporta mucha información sobre películas y cómics no realizados a principios de los 90 sobre James Bond.

Amazing book! So insightful! The author impresses with his investigation and light shedding on obscure or unknown aspects of the Bond franchise. Thank you so much Mark for your research, your work and bringing these interviews to light!

Mark Edlitz has outdone himself with this book, which I consider to be one of the best 007 books on the market. Following on from his excellent 'The Many Lives of James Bond', Edlitz takes 007 journalism to a whole new level with this in-depth look at the lost movies of Bond, along with many other fascinating chapters covering James Bond Jr, radio and dance performances, a theme park ride, a stage play - it's fascinating stuff.At this point in my life I honestly thought I read everything there is to know about 007 so it's a thrill to be able to pick up such a big book like this and discover something new with every page I turn.The author has gone above and beyond the call of the duty in tracking down lost scripts, treatments and even sourcing interviews with many of the key players here. I can't recommend this highly enough!This book proudly sits on my top shelf alongside the original Fleming novels.

Great extra info on everyone's favourite Spy!