John le Carré

Easton Press John le Carré books

A Perfect Spy - 1990

A Delicate Truth - signed first edition - 2013

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - signed collector's edition - 2015

The Spy Who Came in From the Cold - Signed Modern Classic - 2018

Agent Running in the Field - signed first edition - 2020
 

Franklin Library John le Carré books

The Honourable Schoolboy - limited first edition ( not signed ) 1977
Smiley'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, born David John Moore Cornwell on October 19, 1931, in Poole, Dorset, England, was a prolific and influential British author best known for his espionage novels that revolutionized the spy thriller genre. Le Carré's complex characters, intricate plots, and nuanced exploration of moral ambiguity have earned him widespread acclaim as one of the greatest writers of spy fiction in literary history. Raised in a privileged background, le Carré attended the prestigious Sherborne School before studying modern languages at the University of Bern in Switzerland and later at Lincoln College, Oxford. After completing his education, he briefly worked for Britain's intelligence agency, MI5, and then MI6, where he gained firsthand experience of the world of espionage.

Le Carré's experiences in the intelligence world provided the inspiration for his novels, which often explore the murky and morally ambiguous world of espionage and the Cold War rivalry between the East and West. His debut novel, Call for the Dead (1961), introduced readers to his most iconic character, the enigmatic and introspective British intelligence officer George Smiley, who would go on to feature prominently in many of his subsequent works.

Throughout his career, le Carré wrote a series of highly acclaimed novels, including The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1963), Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (1974), and The Honourable Schoolboy (1977), among others. These novels are characterized by their intricate plots, richly drawn characters, and penetrating insight into the psychology of espionage. Le Carré's writing transcended the conventions of the spy thriller genre, delving deep into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by his characters as they navigate the shadowy world of intelligence and espionage. His novels are as much about the human cost of betrayal, loyalty, and deception as they are about the geopolitical struggles of the Cold War era.

In addition to his novels, le Carré was also a prolific essayist and commentator, using his platform to critique the political and social issues of his time. He was a vocal critic of government surveillance and the erosion of civil liberties, drawing on his own experiences in the intelligence world to offer insights into the dangers of unchecked power and secrecy.

John le Carré's literary legacy is one of unparalleled influence and significance, shaping the spy thriller genre and inspiring generations of writers and readers alike. His novels continue to captivate and enthrall audiences with their timeless themes, complex characters, and masterful storytelling, cementing his place as one of the preeminent voices in contemporary literature. Le Carré passed away on December 12, 2020, leaving behind a rich and enduring body of work that will continue to be celebrated and studied for generations to come.

 

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.