John Gardner

John Edmund Gardner (1926–2007) was an English writer primarily recognized for his contributions to the spy fiction genre. His early life included service in the Home Guard, Fleet Air Arm, and Royal Marines during World War II. Following the war, Gardner pursued theological studies and was ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1953. However, he later lost his faith, left the clergy in 1958, and embarked on a career in journalism as a drama critic. His literary journey began with an autobiographical work about his struggles with alcoholism, followed by his debut novel, 'The Liquidator,' which introduced the cowardly spy Boysie Oakes and served as a parody of James Bond.

Gardner achieved significant recognition for writing numerous James Bond continuation novels between 1981 and 1996, commissioned by Ian Fleming's former production company. While these novels were commercially successful, they received mixed critical reviews. Beyond Bond, he also penned novels featuring characters like Professor Moriarty from the Sherlock Holmes canon and created his own series characters. Despite health issues and personal loss, Gardner continued writing throughout his life, introducing new characters like Detective Sergeant Suzie Mountford in his later works.

Born in 1926, John Edmund Gardner's early years were marked by service during World War II, where he was involved with the Home Guard, the Fleet Air Arm, and the Royal Marines, humorously describing himself as 'the worst commando in the world.' After the war, he studied theology at Cambridge and was ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1953. However, his spiritual path diverged when he lost his faith, leading him to leave the church in 1958. He then transitioned to a career in journalism, working as a drama critic. It was during this period that Gardner confronted his alcoholism, and as part of his recovery, he wrote his first book, the autobiographical 'Spin the Bottle,' published in 1964.

Gardner's prolific writing career commenced in 1964 with 'The Liquidator,' a novel that introduced the character of Boysie Oakes, a timid spy inadvertently recruited into espionage, which served as a parody of James Bond. This initial success led to a series of Oakes novels and short stories. He later developed other characters, including Inspector Derek Torry and intelligence agent Herbie Kruger. In the mid-1970s, Gardner explored the darker side of espionage and villainy by writing three novels featuring Professor Moriarty, the notorious antagonist from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. His most widely known contribution, however, was his tenure writing the James Bond continuation novels from 1981 to 1996, a commission from Glidrose Publications that resulted in fourteen novels and two film novelizations.

Despite facing personal challenges, including a cancer diagnosis and the death of his wife, Gardner returned to writing in 2000. His later works included novels like 'Day of Absolution' and the introduction of Detective Sergeant Suzie Mountford. Gardner's views on his Bond legacy were complex; while acknowledging gratitude for keeping the character alive, he expressed a desire to be remembered for his original works. His writing career spanned decades, producing a significant body of work in the thriller and spy fiction genres, with some of his novels being recognized by awards such as the Crime Writers' Association's Gold Dagger.

“the worst commando in the world”

“I didn't believe a word I was saying”

“he was of course a complete piss-take of J. Bond”

“I bent an aeroplane I was learning to fly”

“I'm very grateful to have been selected to keep Bond alive. But I'd much rather be remembered for my own work than I would for Bond”