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Was James Bond writer Ian Fleming a sadomasochist?

With the release of new letters between writer Ian Fleming and his young Austrian lover, Edith Mo...
Newstalk
Newstalk

14.43 31 Mar 2014


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Was James Bond writer Ian Flem...

Was James Bond writer Ian Fleming a sadomasochist?

Newstalk
Newstalk

14.43 31 Mar 2014


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With the release of new letters between writer Ian Fleming and his young Austrian lover, Edith Morpurgo, questions are being asked about the sorts of relationships the creator of James Bond enjoyed.

Andrew Lycett, an Ian Fleming biographer says it was well known that fidelity was never one of Fleming’s best traits.

The love letters show another side to the writer.

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Written in the 1930’s when Fleming was in his twenties he tells Morpurgo:

 “I would also like to hurt you because you have earned it and in order to tame you like a little wild animal.”

Speaking on The Green Room, Mr Lycett said he would describe Fleming’s words as ‘passionate’ and felt there was a “sadomasochistic element” to some of the writing.

Written years before James Bond came into being, Fleming also shows a more tender side:

“I’d like to sleep with you just once and do nothing to you, just wrap my arms around you and hold you tight and find you there when I wake up.”     

Lycett said he didn’t think Fleming would be too happy with his letters being put out into the public domain.

Listen here for the full interview with Andrew Lycett and Orla Barry on The Green Room :

The Green Room airs on Saturday evenings between 9-11pm


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