ABOUT THE BOOK

The allure of the French Riviera, or the Côte d’Azur as it is variously known, needs little or no introduction. The landscape, the wealth, the film stars, the artists, the Belle Epoque architecture and the azure sea have all ensured the longevity of its rightful place in stunning coast lines and picturesque villages to soak up. That in various forms, James Bond has left his mark in such pantheons of beauteous geography is no surprise. But just what are they, and in how many forms?

From his time living in Villefranche sur Mer in the summer of 2019, author SIMON FIRTH documents, dissects and discusses the locations for:

THE FILMS, Diamonds Are Forever, Never Say Never Again and GoldenEye

THE BOOKS, ROLE OF HONOUR and FOREVER AND A DAY

THE RESIDENCES of Sir Sean Connery, Sir Roger Moore and David Niven

THE FILM FESTIVAL at Cannes and the Carlton Intercontinental Hotel

And an unfinished 1958 version of CASINO ROYALE and the ‘What If..’ locations.

To widen the context and to add colour, the Riviera Life and its people accompany the journey with eye-catching imagery, in the definitive account of James Bond in the Côte d'Azur.

With a Foreword written by Gareth Owen, Sir Roger Moore’s former Personal Assistant.

SPECIFICATIONS

ISBN: 9789081329453 (hardcover w/dustjacket), 9789081329491 (paperback)

Size: 15,6cm x 23,4cm, Pages: 114, Release date: November 18, 2020

About the author

Simon Firth became interested in, and subsequently hooked on the world of James Bond from a) being asked by his father to come back downstairs from bed to watch on TV Dr No and, months later, Thunderball and b) being taken to the cinema to see The Spy Who Loved Me as a family outing. Being of responsible age sufficient to taking buses by the time Moonraker was released sealed his fate and a collection was subsequently embarked upon.

While in awe of the present day’s dissection of the subject matter of James Bond into its infinite parts; Clothes, Cars, Food, Drink, Books, Films, Graphic Novels and the multitudinous contributors and content makers plying their knowledgeable and artistic creativity to discuss such, it is the poster artwork that by and large was the greater attraction within.

But a love for Villefranche sur Mer and the surrounding countryside from

working holidays abroad in the 1980s and a couple of subsequent holidays

ensured that Simon would briefl y enter the Locations department; with all due

deference to those who have steadily worked their way up this explicit ladder.

For all things professional, he is a self-employed contract Project Manager

working in the Telecommunications and Media sector.