The adventures of James Bond have thrilled readers since Ian Fleming’s first novel, Casino Royale, was published in 1953. By the time the movie Dr. No was released nine years later, Bond was almost certainly the world’s favorite secret agent. The wildly successful franchise is known for serving up science and technology in ways that are central to the world of Bond, and 007 always manages to escape peril intact. From the outrageous plots to the gadgets to the ludicrous ways that his life is threatened, fans are left to wonder if any of it is actually possible. 

Author Kathryn Harkup, a former chemist, investigates 007’s exploits and the weapons, technologies, tactics, and downfalls of his various foes. She assesses the practicalities of building a volcano-based lair; whether being covered in gold paint really would kill you; and if your plan is to take over the world, whether it is better to use bacteria, bombs, or poison. One thing is for certain: When you are masterfully combining science and a larger-than-life charismatic hero who fights villains, nobody does it better than Bond—James Bond.

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