Golden Gun

One shot, one kill: the signature weapon of Francisco Scaramanga.

The Man with the Golden Gun stands as the twelfth and final novel in Ian Fleming's James Bond series, published posthumously by Jonathan Cape on 1 April 1965. Written at his Goldeneye estate in Jamaica during January and February 1964, the book was completed just months before Fleming's death from a heart attack on 12 August 1964. Unlike previous entries, this manuscript lacked the usual detailed second draft, leading to reviews that were described as 'poor but polite,' yet it remained a best-seller. The story follows James Bond, who returns from Japan after being brainwashed by the Soviets to assassinate M, only to be de-programmed and sent to the Caribbean.

Quick Facts

Ammunition type: silver-jacketed, gold-cored dumdum bullets

Lore & Background

The novel centers on Francisco Scaramanga, a Cuban assassin known as 'The Man with the Golden Gun' because his weapon of choice is a gold-plated Colt .45 revolver. This specific firearm fires silver-jacketed, gold-cored dumdum bullets, making it uniquely lethal. Bond, operating under the alias 'Mark Hazard,' infiltrates Scaramanga's operation at a half-built resort in Jamaica. There, he discovers Scaramanga is part of a syndicate involving American gangsters and the KGB, aiming to destabilize Western interests in the Caribbean sugar industry while smuggling drugs and prostitutes. The plot thickens when Bond allies with Felix Leiter, an undercover CIA agent posing as an electrical engineer, who sets up listening devices in Scaramanga's meeting room.

Reader's Guide

Fleming based the Golden Gun concept on Nelson Algren's 1949 novel 'The Man with the Golden Arm' and considered titles like 'Goldenrod.' The manuscript, completed in early March 1964, was heavily dependent on copy editor William Plomer for its final polish, as Fleming had dropped from his usual writing rate to just over an hour of work a day due to declining health. Publisher Jonathan Cape even sought advice from Kingsley Amis, who was paid £35 15 shillings, though his suggestions were not used. The book was serialized in the Daily Express and Playboy in 1965, followed by a daily comic strip adaptation in 1966.

Did You Know?

The villain's name, Francisco Scaramanga, was based on George Scaramanga, an Etonian contemporary of Fleming who fought with him at school.
A 1974 film adaptation featured Christopher Lee as Scaramanga; he was Ian Fleming's cousin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is associated with the Golden Gun?

The Golden Gun belongs to Francisco Scaramanga, a notorious assassin who calls himself 'the man with the golden gun.' He uses this weapon as his signature tool while operating as the world's most expensive killer.

How does the story of the Golden Gun conclude?

After James Bond defeats Scaramanga, MI6 recovers the weapon from the scene. The gun is no longer in active use following the assassin's death at the hands of 007.