Bond, James Bond. An identifying statement like no other since the fictional, British Secret Agent introduced himself in Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel Casino Royale.

Since Fleming’s death in 1964, eight writers have carried on the Bond tradition, including Southwest Michigan Reads 2019 visiting author, Raymond Benson. The author of six, original 007 novels presents “The James Bond Phenomenon,” Tuesday, October 1, 6:30pm, at the Lawton Community Center.

Benson was the third – and first American – writer to be commissioned by the James Bond copyright holders between 1996 and 2002. His titles include Zero Minus Ten, The Facts of Death, High Time to Kill, DoubleShot, Never Dream of Dying, and The Man with the Red Tattoo.

Southwest Michigan Reads is sponsored by Van Buren District Library, Dowagiac District Library, Hartford Public Library, Marcellus Township Wood Memorial Library, and Paw Paw District Library.