Friday, March 17, 1961: 007

Interest in British author Ian Fleming -- and his creation, secret agent James Bond -- surges after President Kennedy lists Fleming's "From Russia, With Love" as one of his favorite books. (Fleming and Kennedy had met the year before.) Hollywood takes note and soon begins filming the first Bond movie, "Dr. No."

* "The President's Voracious Reading Habits" (March 17 issue of Life magazine; includes list of "Ten Kennedy favorites"): @

* "Ian Fleming & James Bond: The Cultural Politics of 007" (2005 book; account of Fleming-Kennedy meeting begins on page 178): @

* Official website of Ian Fleming: @

* Fleming collection at Indiana University: @

* Extensive James Bond website: @

---