Call For The Dead

Published by Penguin Classics, London; 2021. 8vo. 150pp. 60th Anniversary Edition. Condition: Fine/Fine.

Bound in blue cloth boards with title in silver to the spine. The binding is square and tight and in perfect condition, with no marks or signs of wear. Inside, the pages are clean and bright and with no blemishes or wear and in beautiful condition.

This beautiful book is housed in its original, first issue dust jacket. The pictorial jacket is vibrant and bright and in very smart condition, with no wear or damage to note, it complements the book perfectly.

In all, this is a lovely example of this 60th anniversary edition of le Carre's first novel. It sees the introduction of George Smiley, a tenacious and retiring spy caught in a gripping tale of espionage and intrigue, and probably the greatest figure in all of spy fiction. The novel begins with the death of a civil servant, apparently by suicide, after a routine security check by George Smiley. When Smiley finds Circus head Maston is trying to blame him for the death, he begins his own investigation, meeting Fennan's widow to find out what led him to such desperation. Then, in the very day Smiley is ordered off the enquiry, he receives an urgent letter from a dead man. This 60th anniversary edition includes an introduction by the author in which he reflects on his writing life and recalls the real people who inspired the character of Smiley, that 'soul-searching secret sharer' (blurb). The novel was widely acclaimed and was adapted into a film entitled "The Deadly Affair", directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Jason Mason as Smiley. It was nominated for 5 Baftas including Best British Film and Best British Actor.