#7634
Mentioned in 7 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.
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
Mentioned in 7 episodes
Mentioned by Joe Tsai as one of his favorite authors; he started reading le Carré's novels as a teenager.
86 snips
Alibaba co-founder & Chair: China, Jack Ma, AI and basketball
Mentioned by 
Brace Belden in relation to the similarities between the David Holden case and classic British spy novels.
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.
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 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.
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 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 Kaliane Bradley as a book she read very young, before understanding the political context.
Read This: Hoot and Holler for Kaliane Bradley
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 
Ben Macintyre as an example of how writers should give readers a compelling reason to turn the page.
Ben Macintyre as an example of how writers should give readers a compelling reason to turn the page.
#214: Ben Macintyre, journalist and author
Recommended by 
Scott Anderson for its realistic portrayal of the sadness and solitude of being a spy and the alienation it creates.
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
