If you were going to introduce a friend to Ian Fleming's Bond, what work would you suggest?

The reason I ask this, is because I don't think I would start with Casino Royale. Would you refer your friend to start at the beginning, or is there another work that you feel would be a better intro into the world of Bond?

Going by memory here, but there is a sort of continuity with characters and plot (Bond's wife and his brainwashing for example). I didn't initially read them in order, and I think it would have increased my pleasure.

I seem to recall the same as well. The wife was also in different plots than what happened in the movies I believe.

I'd start from the beginning. I know I read them once in order and have to admit I was dragging by the end.

@ 2 & 3 While you have a point, it is only to an extent. Live and Let Die, Moonraker, Diamonds are Forever and From Russia with Love are all stand alone novels IMO. I don't recall any references between them. Goldfinger is also a solid plot that doesn't require reader knowledge prior to Bond's run in with Auric G. in Miami. Personally, I feel that any of these are more exciting than Casino Royale and would entice a reader to continue the series.

Now, to your point, From Russia with Love is a cliffhanger. If you picked up Dr. No without having previously read FRWL, you wouldn't understand why M is forcing Bond to change from his Baretta to the Walther. In addition, the Blofield series starting with Thunderball would need to be read consecutively. There is plot continuity as well as references to previous novels like Moonraker. Therefore, I'll rule out Thunderball forward as an intro.

Last, The short stories encompassed in For Your Eyes Only & Octopussy & The Living Daylights are all separate. Actually, these works would probably be a good intro to Bond, as you get an idea of Fleming's writing style, without being comitted to a full novel (not that they're long).

I tend to recommend Moonraker as a starting point. It's a great standalone thriller that someone can pick up without knowing any continuity, but less long-winded than Live and Let Die.

I usually tell people that OHMSS is the bast of the novels, with the only caveat being that the two which follow (the Blofeld Trilogy, as they are sometimes dubbed) are nothing like as good.