The first James Bond? John Dee Was the Original 007!

Centuries before Ian Fleming would write James Bond into existence, another man signed letters with "007." That man, John Dee, was a mathematician, astronomer, and (some say) magician. He was also a trusted member of Queen Elizabeth I's court. Some historians say that Dee was a spy for Elizabeth, thus making him an even more fitting inspiration for Ian Fleming's hero.

                    

Early Academic Accomplishments

Born in 1527, John Dee would later earn a reputation as one of the most learned men of his age. He attended St. John's College, Cambridge from 1542 until 1546. He was so successful that he was made a fellow at Trinity College. It was there, working on a stage performance of Aristophanes' Peace, that Dees gained attention for being a magician; apparently his stage effects were so clever, the audience could find no natural explanation for them.

Dee spent the late 1540's and the early 1550's traveling throughout Europe. He studied at Leuven in Brussels and delivered a lecture on Euclid in Paris. Dee met and befriended legendary cartographer Gerardus Mercator, and when he returned to England he brought a significant collection of astronomical and mathematical instruments. Soon after, Dee became a tutor to the court,. The relationship with young Princess Elizabeth would prove a pivotal one.

Dabbling in Dangerous Studies

Dee had long been fascinated with astrology. In 1555, he created horoscopes for both Queen Mary and Princess Elizabeth. Though this wasn't necessarily an offense unto itself, he discussed Mary's horoscope with Elizabeth. Thus, Dee was arrested for "attempting to calculate nativities," which was elevated to a charge of treason. It's not certain how Dee convinced the court of his innocence, but it may have had to do with his supposed occult powers. After one man testified against Dee, one of his children died and another was struck blind. Dee was released to the custody of Catholic Bishop Bronner for religious examination. The two would form a strong relationship; Dee was actually quite religious.

The following year Dee presented an interesting proposal to Queen Mary: he suggested the foundation of a national library and requested funds to start the project. Mary rejected the plan, so Dee set about building his own personal library. He amassed an incredible collection of rare books and manuscripts, one that far surpassed the collections of England's universities. Dee focused on mathematics, astronomy, alchemy, and the supernatural.