James Bond: The Legacy chronicles the incredible evolution of the Bond phenomenon, from the literary birth in 1952, to the spymania of the 60's, the political minefields of the 70's, 80's and beyond, up to Die Another Day. This is the world according to 007, a bonded history of modern times revealing the global influence of the most famous secret agent ever created. Bond has shaped history, changing the way we watch movies, think about spies, and define global politics. The book reveals how Bond has given us context for the social upheaval of our times, from the Cold War to the sexual revolution. He has given us an iconography of elegance, a template for mastering technology, a modern myth by which we define our enemies. From street riots in the 60's to the toppling of governments, James Bond has played a remarkably consistant role in our global culture. Through the years, James Bond has been imitated, celebrated and castigated, but never before has the character's influence on popular culture - and vice versa - been investigated as insightfully and entertainingly.