Peter Fleming was a famous English traveler, explorer and adventurer, whose non-fiction books were hugely successful. My father owned signed copies of all of them - he and Peter Fleming had become acquainted over some detail of set design at the Korda film studio in Shepperton - and I had read each of them with breathless adolescent excitement.

In this quote, Michael Korda recalls the profound influence of Peter Fleming, a famous English traveler, explorer, and adventurer, whose non-fiction books captured the imagination of readers around the world. Korda's admiration is deeply personal, rooted not only in Fleming’s literary achievements but also in a family connection. His father owned signed copies of all Fleming’s works, which made the explorer’s legacy even more tangible and significant within the Korda household.

Korda reveals that Fleming and his father had once become acquainted over a matter involving set design at the Korda film studio in Shepperton, suggesting a link between the literary and cinematic worlds. This intersection provided Korda with early exposure to influential figures, and the intellectual environment likely fueled his own creative and literary aspirations. The personal nature of the signed books also speaks to a familial appreciation of adventure, culture, and storytelling.

The phrase "read each of them with breathless adolescent excitement" captures the emotional power of Fleming’s storytelling on a young reader. It suggests that Fleming’s tales of exploration and discovery were not only educational but also deeply inspirational to Korda during his formative years. Fleming’s adventures offered a window into distant lands and daring feats, igniting a passion for knowledge, curiosity, and possibly even writing itself.

The origin of this quote lies in Korda’s reflections on his youth, shared likely in a memoir or interview about the influential figures in his early life. As a member of the famous Korda film family, Michael Korda’s upbringing was surrounded by creative minds, and Peter Fleming stood out among them for his blend of literary skill and real-world adventure. This quote captures how fame, when grounded in true achievement, can leave a lasting impression on those who encounter it at the right moment.