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(More customer reviews)I read this book in 1974 when I was 16. I thought it was a great spy novel, along with "Escape from Colditz". The title was apparently taken from "Point-Counterpoint". The author resided with his family in Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia on the Dalmation coast of Croatia (AKA Adriatic Riviera and a favorite spot of Jacques Cousteau) which was originally a Roman Seaport named Ragusa, and, after repeated enquiries, Popov described himself as Ragusan in a very Tito-like fashion. With the advent of the internet, I searched out and bought an out-of-print hardcover copy for another read. It was still a good read 30+ years later. I suspect the British Committe 20 (written committee XX), nicknamed the double-cross committee is the source for the 00 designation and its origin may be as simple as tic-tac-toe or just plain Freudian. The "M" designation in the Bond series may have originated from the names "Menzies" and/or "Masterman" who were both connected with committe 20 for training double-agents during WWII. The classic Bond casino scene is described in the book as being originated in a Lisbon casino where Popov used a substantial amount of British funds, intended for other purposes, to publicly deflate the ego of a successful, but pompous Middle-Eastern Gambler in a game of baccarat. Perhaps, Popov believed turkish cafe was the ONLY saving grace of the Ottoman occupation, who knows!? Trying to sift through Balkan history brings the word "chaos" to mind. Ian Fleming was surveilling Popov at the time of the casino encounter and Popov describes the scene, quite well in the book. I'm writing this review now after viewing the new "Casino Royale" movie which intimates the origin of the 007 myth. I believe this book would have and still will be the best jumping-off point for the fledgeling, idealistic and impetuous James Bond character in his mid-twenties during WWII developing into the wordly and vastly more experienced cold war character that Sean Connery so aptly portrayed and immortalised and has yet to be uncrowned 007.
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