This is the remarkable story of how Fleming's association with the occult world led him to create a masterful series of clever clues, ciphers, and codes within his books. Philip Gardiner finally unravels the secret of James Bond piece by piece from the novels and films used to create his aura of mystique. This audio book introduces not just new material, but radically reappraises everything we thought we knew about James Bond - and his creator.

There are numerous references throughout the books to Gnostic, mystic, and alchemical symbols. Even character names are often clues to Fleming's secrets. Auric Goldfinger, for example, is an alchemical term. Auric means "gold" and the golden finger indicates the alchemist himself, who turns lead into gold. Hugo (mind, spirit, or heart) Drax (dragon or winged serpent) means the "mind of the serpent" - in alchemy, the serpent is the symbol of regeneration and wisdom, but also of negative energy.