Easton Press John le Carré books
A Perfect Spy - 1990Franklin Library John le Carré books
The Honourable Schoolboy - limited first edition ( not signed ) 1977Smiley's People - limited first edition ( not signed ) - 1979
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy - Franklin Mystery series - 1988
Our Game - signed first edition - 1995
Single & Single - signed first edition - 1999
John le Carré biography
John le Carré is the pseudonym of David John Moore Cornwell (born October 19, 1931 in Poole, Dorset, England - 12 December 2020). He began his formal schooling at Sherborne School in England. Later, he studied at the University of Berne, developing a fascination in foreign languages, and Lincoln College, Oxford. He then taught at Eton College for 2 years. Subsequently, he joined the British Foreign Service (ultimately MI6), where he served mostly in West Germany. Le Carré is the author of many Cold War thrillers, notably those recounting the exploits of George Smiley. Two novels of the Karla trilogy series, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and Smiley's People, were adapted as BBC television series, in which Alec Guinness starred as Smiley.Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
Kim Philby, the British double agent, blew le Carré (and many others besides) to the Russians. Le Carré's response was characteristically that of a deep thinker: he carefully depicted and analysed Philby in the guise of Bill Haydon, the opponent of Smiley in the most central of Le Carré's œuvre, the novel Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. As the mole, 'Gerald', Bill Haydon, Le Carré makes hay with the opportunity to detail the deceit and weaknesses of Philby. A further element of psychological revenge is exacted by having one of the (fictional) agents profoundly affected by Haydon's treachery, Jim Prideaux, silently execute Haydon in the wake of Haydon's unmasking and public humiliation.
Le Carré's work is in many ways a critical and reasoned response to the lurid sensationalism of the James Bond genre of spy writing - his heroes are three-dimensional, their engagement with the world altogether more realistic and their circumstances markedly unglamorous. He is widely hailed as writing some both the most literary and philosophically oriented of spy novels of the 20th century.
His works also differ from the Bond books in that they are morally relative; there are constant reminders of the fallibility of the western espionage systems and western countries in general, often with the implication that the Soviet bloc and the NATO bloc are essentially two sides of the same coin. The over-simplicity of the good-versus-SPECTRE world of Fleming has no place in Le Carré's work, where the spies seem to serve espionage more than any ideology. Further, Le Carré is more interested in the uncertainty inherent in spycraft -- the most unimpeachable information from the enemy might always prove to be bait or a trap, a logic that tends to render the information obtained far less useful.
In short, his books leave behind an unmistakable air of skepticism.
Le Carré published an essay entitled "The United States has gone mad" in The Times in January 2003, protesting the war in Iraq, saying: "How Bush and his junta succeeded in deflecting America's anger from bin Laden to Saddam Hussein is one of the great public relations conjuring tricks of history." He has turned down a number of awards, including knighthood.
Le Carré married twice. With his first wife, Ann Martin, he has three children: Simon, Stephen, Timothy. With his second wife Valerie, another son Nicholas. He resides in Cornwall, England.
In 2005, the film The Constant Gardener was released, based on his novel. The story is set in slums in Kibera and Loiyangalani, Kenya. The situation affected the crew to the extent that they set up the Constant Gardener Trust in order to provide basic education around these villages. Le Carré is a patron of the charity.
The Honourable Schoolboy
The Honourable Schoolboy is a spy novel originally published in 1977. It is the second novel in le Carré's famous Karla Trilogy, preceded by Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (1974) and followed by Smiley's People (1979). Set during the Cold War, the novel continues the story of British intelligence officer George Smiley as he navigates the complex world of espionage and international intrigue. The novel begins with the aftermath of the events of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, which saw the exposure of a high-ranking Soviet mole within British intelligence known as "Gerald." With the mole unmasked and forced into exile, British intelligence is left reeling and in need of a new direction. George Smiley, recently reinstated as head of the British intelligence agency known as "The Circus," is tasked with rebuilding the organization and uncovering the full extent of Soviet infiltration.As Smiley delves deeper into the world of espionage, he becomes aware of a vast network of corruption and betrayal that stretches from London to Hong Kong. His attention is drawn to Jerry Westerby, an "honourable" British journalist and secret intelligence asset known as "the schoolboy," who has been tasked with uncovering a major Soviet operation in Southeast Asia. Westerby's investigation takes him to Hong Kong, where he uncovers a complex web of intrigue involving drug smuggling, money laundering, and political manipulation. As the plot unfolds, Smiley and Westerby find themselves drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Soviet intelligence and their own internal enemies. Along the way, they encounter a cast of colorful characters, including rogue spies, corrupt officials, and disillusioned revolutionaries, all of whom are caught up in the machinations of the Cold War.
The Honourable Schoolboy is praised for its intricate plotting, richly drawn characters, and penetrating insight into the world of espionage. Le Carré's meticulous attention to detail and his exploration of moral ambiguity and human frailty make the novel a compelling and thought-provoking read. With its gripping narrative and geopolitical intrigue, The Honourable Schoolboy stands as a testament to John le Carré's skill as a storyteller and his ability to capture the complexities of the Cold War era. It remains a beloved classic of the spy thriller genre and an essential read for fans of espionage fiction.
Smiley's People
Smiley's People, published in 1979, is the third novel in le Carré's acclaimed Karla Trilogy, preceded by Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (1974) and The Honourable Schoolboy (1977). Set during the Cold War, the novel follows the continued efforts of British intelligence officer George Smiley as he confronts his Soviet nemesis, Karla, in a high-stakes game of espionage and deception. The novel picks up the story of George Smiley, who has been forced into retirement from British intelligence (known as "The Circus") following the events of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. However, when an old Soviet general, General Vladimir, is murdered in London, Smiley is drawn back into the world of espionage to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing. As Smiley delves deeper into the case, he becomes convinced that General Vladimir's death is connected to Karla, the elusive Soviet spymaster who has long been Smiley's adversary. With the help of his former colleagues at The Circus, including Peter Guillam and Toby Esterhase, Smiley embarks on a covert operation to uncover Karla's network of agents and unravel the mystery behind the general's murder.As the plot unfolds, Smiley's investigation takes him to East Germany, Czechoslovakia, and ultimately to Paris, where he confronts Karla in a tense and dramatic showdown. Along the way, Smiley encounters a cast of memorable characters, including defecting spies, double agents, and disillusioned revolutionaries, all of whom are caught up in the dangerous world of Cold War espionage.
Smiley's People is praised for its intricate plotting, richly drawn characters, and atmospheric depiction of the Cold War era. Le Carré's masterful storytelling and his exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and moral ambiguity make the novel a compelling and thought-provoking read. With its gripping narrative and geopolitical intrigue, Smiley's People is considered one of John le Carré's finest works and a classic of the spy thriller genre. It stands as a testament to le Carré's skill as a writer and his ability to capture the complexities of the Cold War era, cementing his reputation as one of the preeminent authors of espionage fiction.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, published in 1974, is the first novel in le Carré's celebrated Karla Trilogy, followed by The Honourable Schoolboy (1977) and Smiley's People (1979). Set during the Cold War, the novel follows the efforts of British intelligence officer George Smiley as he investigates the presence of a Soviet mole within the highest echelons of the British Secret Service. The novel opens with the abrupt retirement of George Smiley from British intelligence, known colloquially as "The Circus," following a failed operation in Czechoslovakia. However, when rumors surface of a Soviet mole operating within the highest levels of British intelligence, Smiley is reluctantly drawn back into service to root out the traitor.As Smiley delves deeper into the case, he begins to suspect that the mole is one of four high-ranking British intelligence officers, code-named "Tinker," "Tailor," "Soldier," and "Poorman." With the help of his trusted allies, including Peter Guillam and Connie Sachs, Smiley embarks on a covert investigation to uncover the identity of the mole and neutralize the threat posed by Soviet infiltration. As the plot unfolds, Smiley encounters a web of deceit, betrayal, and treachery that spans decades and reaches into the highest levels of government. Along the way, he must navigate a complex maze of relationships, alliances, and rivalries as he seeks to uncover the truth and restore integrity to British intelligence.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is praised for its intricate plotting, richly drawn characters, and atmospheric depiction of the Cold War era. Le Carré's masterful storytelling and his exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and moral ambiguity make the novel a compelling and thought-provoking read. With its gripping narrative and geopolitical intrigue, "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" is considered one of John le Carré's finest works and a classic of the spy thriller genre. It stands as a testament to le Carré's skill as a writer and his ability to capture the complexities of the Cold War era, cementing his reputation as one of the preeminent authors of espionage fiction.
A Perfect Spy
A Perfect Spy is a novel written by British author John le Carré, first published in 1986. It is widely regarded as one of le Carré's most autobiographical works, drawing heavily on his own experiences and relationships to craft a complex and compelling narrative. The novel explores themes of identity, loyalty, and betrayal through the story of Magnus Pym, a British intelligence officer who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and self-destruction. The novel opens with the disappearance of Magnus Pym, a high-ranking British intelligence officer, who vanishes without a trace, leaving behind a trail of deception and intrigue. As his colleagues and family members search for answers, they uncover a web of lies and secrets that reveal the true nature of Pym's life and career.Through a series of flashbacks and recollections, the novel traces Pym's journey from his childhood in rural England to his rise through the ranks of British intelligence. Along the way, readers are introduced to a cast of characters who have shaped Pym's life, including his enigmatic father Rick, his mentor Jack Brotherhood, and his closest friend and confidant Axel. As Pym's story unfolds, it becomes clear that he is not only a master spy but also a deeply flawed and complex individual. His relationships with his family, his colleagues, and his handlers are marked by deception and manipulation, as he struggles to reconcile his loyalties to his country with his own personal ambitions and desires.
A Perfect Spy is known for its intricate plotting, richly drawn characters, and psychological depth. Le Carré's masterful storytelling and his exploration of themes such as identity, betrayal, and the nature of espionage make the novel a compelling and thought-provoking read. With its gripping narrative and introspective tone, A Perfect Spy is considered one of John le Carré's most ambitious and accomplished works. It stands as a testament to le Carré's skill as a writer and his ability to capture the complexities of human nature, earning him a place among the greatest authors of contemporary literature.
A Delicate Truth
A Delicate Truth, published in 2013, revolves around a covert counterterrorism operation known as "Wildlife," orchestrated by British and American intelligence agencies. The operation takes place on the fictional island of Gibraltar and is intended to capture a high-value terrorist target. However, when the operation goes awry, protagonist Toby Bell, a British civil servant, becomes embroiled in a web of conspiracy and betrayal. As Toby delves deeper into the truth behind "Wildlife," he uncovers a disturbing reality that challenges his beliefs about loyalty, morality, and the nature of government secrecy. Through its gripping narrative and intricate plot, A Delicate Truth explores themes of government accountability, the ethics of intelligence operations, and the human cost of political expediency.
Our Game
Our Game, published in 1995, follows the character of Tim Cranmer, a retired British intelligence officer living a quiet life in Cornwall. Cranmer becomes embroiled in a complex web of espionage and betrayal when his former protégé, Larry Pettifer, resurfaces after years in hiding. Pettifer is suspected of involvement in a botched operation in Russia and is pursued by both British and Russian intelligence agencies. As Cranmer navigates the treacherous world of espionage, he is forced to confront his own loyalties, betrayals, and the moral ambiguity of his past actions. Set against the backdrop of the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the chaos of post-Cold War Russia, Our Game is a gripping tale of intrigue, deception, and the high stakes of international espionage.
Single & Single
Single & Single, published in 1999, is centered around the world of international finance and espionage, focusing on the intertwined lives of two characters: Oliver Single, a successful British lawyer working in London, and his estranged son, Oliver Junior, who becomes embroiled in the shady dealings of his father's business empire. When Oliver Junior is implicated in a money-laundering scheme involving a Russian crime syndicate, he seeks refuge in Russia, setting off a chain of events that brings him into conflict with both his family and powerful forces in the world of international finance and intelligence. As the story unfolds, the novel delves into themes of family loyalty, betrayal, and the moral complexities of the global financial system. Through its intricate plot and richly drawn characters, Single & Single offers a gripping exploration of the intersection between personal relationships and the shadowy world of high-stakes finance and espionage.
The Spy Who Came in From the Cold
The Spy Who Came in From the Cold is a novel published in 1963 and Set during the Cold War. The story follows Alec Leamas, a British intelligence officer who is sent on a dangerous mission to East Germany. Leamas pretends to defect to the East in order to infiltrate the enemy's ranks and gather intelligence. However, as the operation unfolds, Leamas becomes entangled in a web of deceit and betrayal, leading to tragic consequences for himself and those around him. The novel is praised for its gritty realism, complex characters, and moral ambiguity, and is considered one of le Carré's finest works. Through its gripping narrative and atmospheric depiction of Cold War espionage, The Spy Who Came in From the Cold offers a compelling exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the human cost of espionage.
Agent Running in the Field
Published in 2019, the story follows Nat, a veteran British intelligence officer nearing retirement, who becomes involved in a complex web of intrigue when he encounters Ed, a charismatic and enigmatic young man with connections to Russian intelligence. As Nat navigates the murky waters of espionage and personal relationships, he must confront his own loyalties, motivations, and the shifting dynamics of the geopolitical landscape. Set against the backdrop of Brexit-era Britain, the novel explores themes of betrayal, disillusionment, and the moral complexities of modern espionage. Through its compelling narrative and richly drawn characters, Agent Running in the Field offers a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of loyalty, identity, and the enduring shadow of the Cold War.
Bibliography
Call for the Dead - (1961)A Murder of Quality - (1962)
The Spy who Came in from the Cold - (1963)
The Incongruous Spy (omnibus) - (1964)
"Call for the Dead"
"A Murder of Quality"
The Looking-Glass War - (1965)
A Small Town in Germany - (1968)
The Naïve and Sentimental Lover - (1971)
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - (1974)
The Honourable Schoolboy - (1977)
Smiley's People - (1979)
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"
"The Honourable Schoolboy"
"Smiley's People"
The Little Drummer Girl - (1983)
A Perfect Spy - (1986)
The Russia House - (1989)
The Secret Pilgrim - (1991)
The Unbearable Peace - (1991)
The Night Manager - (1993)
Our Game - (1995)
The Tailor of Panama - (1996)
Nervous Times - (1998) (lim. ed. of 250)
Single & Single - (1999)
The Constant Gardener - (2001)
Absolute Friends - (2003)
The Mission Song (2006)
A Most Wanted Man (2008)
Our Kind of Traitor (2010)
A Delicate Truth (2013)
A Legacy of Spies (2017)
Agent Running in the Field (2019)
Silverview (2021)
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