‘Pam Hirsch, author of The Constant Liberal: The Life and Work of Phyllis Bottome, says the title of The Life Line was emblematic of her relationship with the young Fleming.”Phyllis and her husband Ernan were a lifeline for a deeply troubled young man who might not have actually survived if he hadn’t had all their care, their love, and their writerly attention as well.” Hirsch is reluctant to suggest Phyllis “invented James Bond”. But she does say “she sort of invented Ian Fleming the writer”.’

The BBC News on whether Phyllis Bottome inspired Ian Fleming’s James Bond. The Radio 4 Programme is out this Saturday at 10.30am. To read the full BBC news piece, go here and get your copy of The Constant Liberal by Pam Hirsch here today.