" 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. "
- Michael Korda

The quote describes the admiration Michael Korda had for Peter Fleming, a renowned English traveler, explorer, and author. Korda's father was personally acquainted with Fleming through their shared interest in film set design at the Korda Studios in Shepperton, England. This connection allowed Korda’s father to acquire signed copies of all of Fleming's books, which Michael read with great excitement during his youth.

Beyond its surface meaning, this quote highlights the influence that personal connections and family legacies can have on an individual's development and interests. It underscores how exposure to influential figures through familial ties can foster a deep appreciation for literature and adventure at a young age. The shared passion between Fleming and Korda’s father also reveals how creative industries such as film production intersect with literary pursuits, creating unexpected bridges between seemingly disparate fields.

Michael Korda is an accomplished author himself, known for his biographies and memoirs. His reflection on Peter Fleming's influence comes from his own extensive background in writing and understanding the power of storytelling. This quote, therefore, not only celebrates Fleming’s contributions to literature but also serves as a testament to how personal connections can inspire lasting passions.