

#3686
Mentioned in 9 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 9 episodes
Mentioned by Speaker 0 in relation to the P&G and Unilever saga.

118 snips
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Mentioned by ![undefined]()

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

Joe Tsai

86 snips
Alibaba co-founder & Chair: China, Jack Ma, AI and basketball
Mentioned by 

in relation to the political climate of 1974.


Dominic Sandbrook

73 snips
419. Britain in 1974: Countdown to a Coup (Part 3)
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when comparing "The Agency" to other spy dramas.

Rob Mahoney

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

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


Brace Belden

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 

as an example of a specific time and place that would be sweet to adapt.


Jake Rodkin

#11: Storytelling & The Walking Dead. With Telltale
Mentioned by 

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


Shashank Joshi

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

when discussing the stereotypical depiction of spies in fiction.


Ben

Why are so many spies getting busted?
Recalled by ![undefined]()

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

Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman, Vol. III
Mentioned by 

as an example of how writers should give readers a compelling reason to turn the page.


Ben MacIntyre

#214: Ben Macintyre, journalist and author
Mentioned by 

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


Paul M. McGarr

Spying in South Asia: Cold War intelligence and the making of modern India
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

, highlighting how a small detail reveals betrayal in MI6.

Alastair Benn

The Slow Horses are Britain’s perfect spies
Recommended by 

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


Scott Anderson

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

for its realistic portrayal of the spy world.


Scott Anderson

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 

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


Shashank Joshi

Witness self-protection programme? Trump and the Capitol riot inquiry
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the book that is based on trying to find the Cambridge Five mole.

Horatio Gould

Bin Sniffers, Wicket Keepers, Lily Gilders & Chuff-Slingers: Winston Churchill | Post War British Prime Ministers, 1945-1979
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when comparing 

to Smiley, the protagonist in the book.

Ethan Strauss


Pablo Torre

HoS: Pablo Torre
Mentioned by 

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


Terry Gross

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