An illustrated biography of the ornithologist James Bond, the author of the book Birds of the West Indies and the namesake of Ian Fleming's fictional British spy.

“Bond. James Bond.” Since Sean Connery first uttered that iconic phrase in Dr. No, more than one quarter of the world’s population has seen a 007 film. Witty and urbane, Bond seduces and kills with equal ease — often, it seems, with equal enthusiasm. This enthusiasm, coupled with his freedom to do what is forbidden to everyone else, evokes fascinating philosophical questions. Here, 15 witty, thought-provoking essays discuss hidden issues in Bond’s world, from his carnal pleasures to his license to kill. Among the lively topics explored are Bond’s relation to existentialism, including his graduation “beyond good and evil”; his objectification of women; the paradox of breaking the law in order to ultimately uphold it like any “stupid policeman”; the personality of 007 in terms of Plato’s moral psychology; and the Hegelian quest for recognition evinced by Bond villains. A reference guide to all the Bond movies rounds out the book’s many pleasures.

The most memorable dialogue and witty one-liners from all 25 official James Bond films, quoting 007, M, Q, Moneypenny, Bond villains and more! “Bond. James Bond.” The iconic line from James Bond’s first big-screen scene has been endlessly quoted and imitated since, and the memorable dialogue and witty one-liners stand alongside the glamorous locations, breath-taking stunts and creative gadgets as one of the many reasons the films are so beloved the world over. The Wit & Wisdom of James Bond includes the very best quotes, quips and pearls of wisdom from all 25 films. From “Shocking. Positively shocking,” to “Choose your next witticism carefully, Mr Bond. It may be your last,” (Goldfinger) this official book collects the greatest killer one-liners from the world’s most famous “licensed troubleshooter”, as well as M, Q, Moneypenny, Bond villains and more.

Fifty years (and five billion dollars in ticket sales) ago, the dashing Scottish actor Sean Connery declared suavely that he was "Bond, James Bond." Thus began a cinematic series unlike any other. In November 2012, Skyfall, the 23rd movie in what is seen as the authorized line of Bond films, will be released, with Daniel Craig (the sixth Bond) again in the lead role. The world will once more stream to the theaters for another dose of Bond. LIFE was on the scene in the swinging '60s when James Bond became a cultural icon (in fact, when we put the gold-painted actress Shirley Eaton on the cover in 1964, we helped him along), and now LIFE tells the whole story in this commemorative book. Ian Fleming, a high-ranking officer in British Naval Intelligence of World War II, dreamt up his MI6 spy, code number 007, in 1953, and a decade later, with Dr. No, From Russia With Love and then the smash Goldfinger, saw his creation take on a life entirely his own. All the fun of Bond is here: The movies; the reminiscences by the stars; the LIFE photo shoots; the knockoffs and spoofs ("The Man from U.N.C.L.E.;" "Get Smart;" "I Spy;" the first Casino Royale); the artifacts (a model of Bond's Aston Martin DB5 was one of the best-selling toy of 1965); the trivia and inside information on M, Q and Moneypenny-anything a Bond fan would want, packed into one book and then shaken, not stirred. James Bond was, back in the day, one of those cultural phenomena tailor-made for LIFE: It was bright and colorful and vibrant. Today, it still is. Happy birthday, and welcome back, Commander Bond.

What Do You Collect? That depends on what demographic you belong to. If you grew up in the 1960s and 1970s, you are either a Trekkie or a Star Wars fan. Or maybe you’re more into Marvel or DC Universe. Either way, you know you were hooked into reliving the adventure. For me, I was there in the beginning as a baby boomer with all that was on TV, music, and movies. It was all a good place to bring you back to all the thrill of your heroes and how one day you, too, can ride off into the sunset. For me, I did one better. I got to act out a role just like my hero and do the very things they did. With what you collect, you buy movies, music, toys, and anything connected with these treasured moments. I am very sure what I collect is what people stored in their closets. So sad, I thought, they should be sure what they collect to their friends and to the world. For what your collect and are attracted to is part of a million—no, trillion—dollar industry that grabs your attraction. Here it begins—my search on how we as baby boomers and generations beyond get caught up once in a never-ending spend cycle that must be met, as each decade unfolds, as each generation get sucked into being duped and persuaded. This would be the beginning of your spending habits. You are very much targeted. Many do not care! I, too, get caught up in this friendship. Difference is, I care and dare to ask why. Why do we need to collect so much? So says I, your friendly neighborhood self-appointed baby boomer consumer advocate.