The latest James Bond novel ‘Solo’ sees the world’s most famous fictional spy go on an unauthorised mission at the height of the Cold War.

As Skyfall opens on the big screen, Richard Williams remembers Ian Fleming’s ambitious gamble in The Spy Who Loved Me.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the James Bond movie franchise, which began with Dr No in 1962.

Since the death of Ian Fleming in 1964 his estate has authorised 32 novels about James Bond by other authors.

After 45 years, 21 films and countless vodka martinis, Hollywood’s longest-running action hero — James Bond — is in rude health, according to the actor who knows 007 best: Roger…