James Bond creator Ian Fleming appears to have had his own real-life Miss Moneypenny to help him pen the adventures of 007.
A batch of letters written by the world-famous author reveals how he relied on the valuable input of his secretary, Jean Frampton.
Excerpts of some of
the letters, in which Fleming often asks for Mrs Frampton's advice on his Bond manuscripts, have been released in Britain ahead of their auction next month.
In their letters, the pair discuss various Bond books including Thunderball, The Man with the Golden Gun, You Only Live Twice and A View to a Kill.
In one letter dated March 31, 1960, Fleming said: "I have written a full-length James Bond story, provisionally called Thunderball.
"I am afraid this is not a good transcript and I would be deeply obliged if you would apply your usual keen mind to any points - absolutely any - that might help the book get into shape.
"I only ask you to undertake it because your occasional comments on the work you have done for me have been so helpful.
"Anything that your quick eye and mind falls upon, however critical and in whatever aspect of the writing, would be endlessly welcome. I am sorry to have to pass on to you a rather half-baked job."
Mrs Frampton appeared to enjoy her role revising Fleming's work.
In one of her letters to the author she wrote: "I still regret the end of Thunderball, as my naive and literal mind would like to know what exactly happened to the Disco and the rest of her crew and the bombs, how Domino escaped, and, of course, what about Blofeld (or does he live to fight another day?)."
The letters are to be auctioned in Dorset.
- NZPA
