The Science of James Bond: From Bullets to Bowler Hats to Boat Jumps, the Real Technology behind 007's Fabulous Films »

LOIS H. GRESH is the author of seventeen books, including four novels. She has written dozens of suspense and science-fiction stories and has been nominated for national fiction awards six times. Gresh and Robert Weinberg have coauthored several books, including The Science of Superheroes and The Science of Supervillains, both from Wiley.

ROBERT WEINBERG is the author of sixteen novels and seventeen nonfiction books. He also scripted comic books for DC, Marvel, and Moonstone Publishers. Weinberg is the only World Fantasy Award–winning author who has served as the grand marshal of a rodeo parade.

The science behind the gadgets, exploits, and enemies of the world's greatest spy

From the sleek Aston Martin that spits out bullets, nails, and passengers at the push of a button to the microjet that makes hairpin turns to avoid a heat-seeking missile, the science and technology of James Bond films have kept millions of movie fans guessing for decades. Are these amazing feats and gadgets truly possible?

The Science of James Bond takes you on a fascinating excursion through the true science that underlies Bond's most fantastic and off-the-wall accoutrements. The acclaimed science-fiction authors Lois Gresh and Robert Weinberg provide a highly entertaining, informative look at the real-world achievements and brilliant imaginations behind such singular Bond gadgets as the buzz-saw Rolex, the car that turns into a submarine, and the ever-popular rocket-firing cigarette. They examine hundreds of Q Division's ingenious inventions; analyze Bond's astonishing battles beneath the earth and sea, in the skies, and even in outer space; and ask intriguing questions that lead to enlightening discussions about the limits of science, the laws of nature, and the future of technology.

Filled with entertaining anecdotes from Bond movie shoots and supplemented with "tech" ratings for all of the Bond movies, The Science of James Bond separates scientific fact from film fantasy—with some very surprising results.

Publishers Weekly

Everyone knows which secret agent drives a car that turns into a boat at the flick of a switch, leaves fake fingerprints and, of course drinks his martinis shaken, not stirred: Bond. James Bond. Gresh and Weinberg, having surveyed the science of supervillains and superheroes, turn to Bond and all the wonderful toys conjured up for him by Q, as well as the weapons created by his enemies. They explain how "dirty bombs" work while noting that Goldfinger's plot to contaminate Fort Knox with one wouldn't work, because the radiation would turn gold into liquid mercury. Biological agents were also used by one of Bond's foes. Fortunately, Hugo Drax's Moonraker scheme to destroy humankind with a poison made from orchids was fairy tale stuff. Gresh and Weinberg's book goes up against last year's Death Rays, Jet Packs, Stunts, & Supercars by Barry Parker,, but they write better and their book is more accessible to Bond fans who've forgotten their high school science. Readers might check out the appendix on the Bond martini first, so they'll have something to sip while enjoying this lively read. (Sept.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Introduction: Bond, James Bond.

Chapter 1. Uncover The Origins of Mr. Bond: Spies And Science.

Chapter 2. Send Secret Messages: Super-Spy Decoder Rings?.

Chapter 3. Build a Bond Car: Flying, Underwater, Missle-Launching Aston Martins.

Chapter 4. Arm Yourself (And Other Explosive Ideas).

Chapter 5. Stop Nuclear War.

Chapter 6. Use Your Senses: Assorted Body Equipment.

Chapter 7. Get Away From It All: In The Air, On The Sea.

Chapter 8. Get Farther Away From It All: Outer Space Shenanigans.

Chapter 9. Defeat Supervillains .

Chapter 10. Nullify the Threat of Super Weapons.

Chapter 11. Combat Germ Warfare (And Other Nasty Matters).

Chapter 12. Possible or Impossible?.

Chapter 13. Some Thoughts About Secret Bases.

Conclusion.

Appendix 1. The Bond Books.

Appendix 2. The Bond Movies .

Appendix 3. The 00 Secret Agents.

Appendix 4. The Bond Cars.

Source Notes.

Bibliography and Reading List.