My guest today is the writer Charlie Higson, author of On His Majesty’s Secret Service, the latest Bond continuation novel. Written to coincide with King Charles's coronation and the 60th anniversary of On Her Majesty's Secret Service, the book brings Bond into the modern era in a narrative that identifies very real geopolitical threats with some good old Bondian adventure. 

For those of you to whom the name Charlie Higson his familiar, that’s because he was one of the writers and performers of The Fast Show, a cult British comedy show from the mid-90s. In this episode, Charlie and I discuss his literary tastes through the four books that have shaped his work, as well as his creative practices, and of course the way to achieve a new rendition of the world’s most fabulous spy. Modern Bond is less anchored in mid-Century wartime solemnity, and more attuned to the nuanced global landscape of 2024, which made for a really refreshing read. From his diverse reading selections to his personal take on the character, Charlie's insights were both enriching and hilarious. Whether you're a Bond enthusiast or just generally a lover of literary discussions, this episode is an absolute treasure trove of insight and inspiration – and not one to be missed!

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Charlie’s four books were:

Gormenghast, Mervyn Peake (1946-59)

Pop 1280, Jim Thompson (1964)

The Watcher, Charles Maclean (1982)

From Russia with Love, Ian Fleming (1957)