The Golden TypewriterThrilling Cities
Thrilling Cities (1963) collects Fleming's travel journalism about fourteen cities around the world, from Hong Kong and Tokyo to Las Vegas, Berlin and Monte Carlo.
- Type
- Non-fiction
- First published
- November 1963, Jonathan Cape
- Suggested age
- 14+
- Audiobook
- Barnaby Edwards
Get this book
Read by Barnaby Edwards, 9 hours 7 minutes
Check the ISBN on the listing before buying.
The story, without spoilers
The Sunday Times sent Fleming around the world to write about cities that fascinated him. He was less interested in sights than in hotels, food, transport, nightlife, crime and how each place worked for a visitor.
Many chapters end with practical notes he called "Incidental Intelligence". The book records his voice as a journalist, and his own position and era colour everything he sees.
Can I start here?
Yes, for readers curious about Fleming himself. It is fun to compare his real Las Vegas, Tokyo or Berlin with the versions in the novels.
What stands out
It is a historical snapshot, not a travel guide: cities, borders and customs have changed completely since the 1960s.
- It covers fourteen cities.
- The Audible UK recording is read by Barnaby Edwards.
Content notes
Suggested age 14+. Nightlife, gambling and 1950s and 1960s social and colonial attitudes.
Adaptations
No screen adaptation.
Where it is set
- Hong Kong
- Tokyo
- Honolulu
- Las Vegas
- Berlin
- Monte Carlo
Editions and formats
Paperback
ISBN 9781906772901
UK paperback edition.
Audiobook
Read by Barnaby Edwards, 9 hours 7 minutes.
Where next
Sources (4)
- Ian Fleming Publications: Thrilling CitiesConfirmed
- Ian Fleming Publications: bibliographyConfirmed
- Guardian Bookshop: paperback listingRetailer listing
- Audible UK: audiobook listingRetailer listing