Ian Fleming: James Bond 'cured' Pussy Galore of being a lesbian, a 'psycho-pathological malady'

He had written in the novel how Bond relished 'the sexual challenge all beautiful lesbians have for men'

Sean Connery kisses Pussy Galore actress Honor Blackman on the cheek (Rex)

Correspondence between author Ian Fleming and a reader has revealed the James Bond author’s controversial take on Pussy Galore’s sexuality.

His character, one of the most famous Bond girls who appeared in 1959 novel Goldfinger, is described as a lesbian but later has a sexual relationship with 007.

Fleming suggests the character’s lesbianism was actually “cured” by the M15 spy.

Dr. Gibson wrote in a letter to the author: “although not a psycho-pathologist, I think it is slightly naughty of you to change a criminal Lesbian into a clinging honey-bun (to be bottled by Bond) in the last chapter.”

His written response, which is now up for auction, has revealed Fleming thought her lesbianism was a “psycho-pathological malady” that was “cured” by Bond.

He wrote: “Pussy only needed the right man to come along and perform the laying of hands to cure her psycho-pathological malady.”

At one point in the novel, Fleming noted how Bond relished "the sexual challenge all beautiful lesbians have for men”.

In the last chapter, the spy looks into her “deep blue-violet eyes that were no longer hard… He bent and kissed them lightly. He said, ‘They told me you only liked women’. She said, ‘I never met a man before.’”

Galore also featured in the film adaption of Goldfinger, with Honor Blackman playing the iconic character.

According to The Telegraph, Gibson was one of Fleming's most adoring fans, having written to him on a number of occasions. After the release of From Russia With Love, he asked whether Bond survived being poisoned. He soon received a response detailing how a notice had been put up in the Secret Service's canteen telling of 007's recovery.

The letter is estimated to make between £3,000 and £4,000, and will be sold at auction on 11 November by Bonhams.