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Mentioned in 8 episodes

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Book • 1974

In this novel, George Smiley is summoned from retirement to investigate a mole within the British intelligence service, known as the Circus.

The story unfolds as a cat-and-mouse game, with Smiley delving into the pasts of his suspects, each codenamed from a children’s nursery rhyme: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, and Sailor.

The investigation is complex, involving office politics, personal betrayals, and the moral ambiguities of the espionage world.

Le Carré masterfully crafts a realistic and gripping narrative that critiques the espionage industry and its impact on individuals and society.

Mentioned by

Dominic Sandbrook

Kaliane Bradley

John McLaughlin

Peter Straughan

Mentioned in 8 episodes

Mentioned by Speaker 0 in relation to the P&G and Unilever saga.

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Mentioned by

Joe Tsai

as one of his favorite authors; he started reading le Carré's novels as a teenager.

Alibaba co-founder & Chair: China, Jack Ma, AI and basketball

Mentioned by

Dominic Sandbrook

in relation to the political climate of 1974.

419. Britain in 1974: Countdown to a Coup (Part 3)

Mentioned by

Rob Mahoney

when comparing "The Agency" to other spy dramas.

‘The Agency’ Series Premiere: Michael Fassbender Is Back on Our TVs, and We’re Better for It

Mentioned by

Brace Belden

in relation to the similarities between the David Holden case and classic British spy novels.

Episode 447: Smiley's Person

Mentioned by Conor Boyle in the introduction, highlighting his work in spy novels.

Classic Debate: Ian Fleming vs John le Carré

Mentioned by

Shashank Joshi

while discussing the reputation of Russian spies and comparing it to the portrayal in John le Carre's novels.

Witness self-protection programme? Trump and the Capitol riot inquiry

Mentioned by

Ben

when discussing the stereotypical depiction of spies in fiction.

Why are so many spies getting busted?

Recommended by

Scott Anderson

for its realistic portrayal of the sadness and solitude of being a spy and the alienation it creates.

The Spies Fighting Communism During the Cold War, with Scott Anderson and Hugo Lindgren

Mentioned by

John McLaughlin

, quoting Bill Hayden’s character, on the role of intelligence agencies.

Lawfare Archive: A House Divided

Recommended by

Scott Anderson

for its realistic portrayal of the spy world.

Spies, Communism and the Battle to Win the Cold War, with Scott Anderson

Mentioned by Conor Boyle as a master of Cold War fiction.

The Sunday Debate: Ian Fleming vs John le Carré

Mentioned by

Shashank Joshi

while discussing the reputation of Russian spies and comparing it to the portrayal in John le Carre's novels.

Witness self-protection programme? Trump and the Capitol riot inquiry

Recalled by

Gary Oldman

as a role where he experienced intense stage fright due to the legacy of Alec Guinness's portrayal.

Gary Oldman, Vol. III

Mentioned by

Kaliane Bradley

as a book she read very young, before understanding the political context.

Read This: Hoot and Holler for Kaliane Bradley

Mentioned by

Terry Gross

as one of John le Carre's most beloved novels.

John le Carré's Son Revives His Late Dad's Beloved Spy

Mentioned by

Peter Straughan

in relation to his work adapting Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy into a film.

Conclave with Peter Straughan

Mentioned by Jello and Oliver during their podcast episode 6.

Episode 6: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy / The American President

Mentioned by

Paul M. McGarr

in relation to his early fiction and its portrayal of the Cold War.

Spying in South Asia: Cold War intelligence and the making of modern India

Mentioned by

Jacke Wilson

as a classic spy novel by John le Carré.

716 Icelandic Folk Legends (with Dagrun Osk Jonsdottir) | John le Carre at the Bodleian

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