"The phrase “Bond, James Bond” introduced 1960s moviegoers to the sophisticated, worldly Ian Fleming character played by Sean Connery. But the actor did not start out with those traits. He grew up in a hardscrabble Scottish neighborhood, left school, and joined the Royal Navy. Later, without much money or education, he turned to bodybuilding, placing third in a Mr. Universe contest. He was even a nude model for artists until he made his mark in 1962’s Dr. No. Pilato (Retro Active Television) describes Connery as having a love/hate relationship with the Bond character. Though handsome and virile, Connery was an untrained actor. Without Bond, however, it’s unlikely that he would have reached the star status he enjoyed. The author asserts that he grew to resent the role and his association with it. Incorporating archival material and never-before-published observations from Connery’s lifelong friends and colleagues, the book explores that duality and the impact both Connery and Bond had on popular culture. He also shares new details of Connery’s life, including his loyalty to his Scottish roots and his seemingly chauvinistic stance, and of his films, with and without Bond. VERDICT A fresh perspective on Bond and Connery that fans will enjoy."
- Library Journal