Roger Moore delivered final manuscript before he died

Bond star Roger Moore sent in the manuscript for his last, as-yet-untitled book just two weeks before his death, his publisher has revealed.

Publisher Michael O'Mara paid tribute to Moore, who died yesterday (23rd May) aged 89, as "a great favourite" with staff and said he personally had "never worked with a more professional author or one with a more positive attitude to life".

O'Mara revealed Moore, who played James Bond in seven films, had been working on an autobiographical book before death, described as a "typically amusing and self-deprecating" look at old age, expressing Moore's experience of growing old.

O'Mara described it "a suitable subject for a man in his 90th year". It includes sketches by Moore, who was also an artist. 

There has been no final decision on the book's title or its release date, the publisher confirmed.

Moore has written two previous memoirs for Michael O'Mara, My Word is My Bond in 2009 and Last Man Standing in 2014, as well as a film history, Bond on Bond, in 2015 in collaboration with Gareth Owen.

O'Mara told The Bookseller: "When I published Roger Moore’s memoir, My Word is My Bond, nearly ten years ago, I thought it must be his swan song. After all, he was 80 years old and had done it all. In fact, Roger was only just getting started as an author: his 2012 Bond on Bond, a history of the film series was to be followed in 2014 by Last Man Standing, a collection of show biz stories, tall and short. What is more, Roger sent me the manuscript of  his last, as yet untitled, book only two weeks ago. It is a typically amusing and self-deprecating  look at old age; a suitable subject for a man in his ninetieth year.

"Throughout his publishing career with us, Roger has become a great favourite at MOM Books. For myself, I have never worked with a more professional author or one with a more positive attitude to life. Lunches in Monaco with Roger and his wife Kristina have become a regular feature of life for my wife, Lesley, and myself. How we shall miss him!"

Moore's family said the actor had died after "a short but brave battle with cancer". The statement, from his children, posted on Twitter, said: "Thank you Pops for being you, and being so very special to so many people.

"With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated."

Moore died in Switzerland, but his funeral will take place in Monaco according to his wishes, his children Deborah, Geoffrey and Christian, said. He also leaves behind a wife Kristina Tholstrup.

Other celebrities also paid tribute to him on the social media site.

Actor Michael Caine said: "I am truly sad and think I will be in tears if I talk about him. Roger was the perfect gentlemen, adored by all his friends."

While Michael Ball said: "My dearest uncle Roger has passed on. What a sad, sad day this is. Loved the bones of him. Generous, funny, beautiful and kind."

Picture: Terry O'Neill