Intelligence Squared The Sunday Debate: Ian Fleming vs John le Carré
Oct 16, 2022
In a spirited debate, Anthony Horowitz, the author of the Alex Rider series and the official James Bond continuation novel, defends Ian Fleming's swashbuckling legacy. Opposing him, David Farr, Emmy-nominated for TV's The Night Manager, champions the profound storytelling of John le Carré. Simon Callow adds flair as they explore the contrasting portrayals of espionage heroes Bond and Smiley, the cultural impact of their works, and the complexities of adapting their stories for film. Who reigns supreme in the literary spy world?
01:31:13
Le Carré Introduction
- David Farr's father introduced him to John le Carré's work at a young age.
- Watching "Smiley's People" inspired Farr to read le Carré's books.
Formative Bond
- Anthony Horowitz's mother gave him "Dr. No" when he was 10.
- This sparked his lifelong passion for Ian Fleming and spy novels.
Fleming's Bond
- James Bond's widespread recognition stems from Ian Fleming's writing.
- Fleming created the iconic character, tropes, and famous lines.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Spy Literature Showdown: Fleming vs. le Carré
02:22 • 14min
Paralyzed by Fear
16:26 • 14min
The Cultural Impact of Iconic Literary Heroes
30:13 • 2min
The Complex World of Spy Fiction: Navigating Memory and Morality
32:01 • 3min
Life, Death, and Playful Banter
34:47 • 2min
The Complexity of Identity in John le Carré's Works
36:50 • 20min
Bond vs. Smiley: A Character Contrast
56:26 • 4min
Contrasting Legacies of Spy Fiction
01:00:00 • 15min
Adapting Espionage: Bond vs. Le Carré
01:15:04 • 10min
The Shift in Votes: A Conclusion to the Literary Debate
01:25:22 • 3min
The Secret Heart
John le Carré: An Intimate Memoir
Suleika Dawson
The Secret Heart is a candid and insightful account of Suleika Dawson's unique and enduring love affair with the renowned author John le Carré. The book offers a personal perspective on le Carré's life, written with honesty and humor.
You only live twice
Ian Fleming
In 'You Only Live Twice', James Bond is sent to Japan on a diplomatic mission after the tragic death of his wife, Tracy. He becomes embroiled in a plot to kill Dr. Guntram Shatterhand, who is revealed to be Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the man responsible for Tracy's murder. The novel explores themes of revenge, cultural differences, and personal rebirth as Bond navigates the complexities of Japanese society and confronts his nemesis.
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Ian Fleming
In *On Her Majesty's Secret Service*, James Bond is tasked with infiltrating Ernst Stavro Blofeld's Alpine base to thwart a biological warfare plot targeting Britain's food supply. Along the way, Bond forms a deep connection with Contessa Teresa 'Tracy' di Vicenzo, leading to a marriage that ends in tragedy. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the personal costs of Bond's profession.
Thunderball
Ian Fleming
Thunderball, published in 1961, is the ninth novel in Ian Fleming's James Bond series. It introduces Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the leader of SPECTRE, and features Bond racing against time to prevent the detonation of two stolen atomic bombs. The novel is part of Fleming's unofficial 'Blofeld Trilogy' and is known for its action-packed plot and the introduction of iconic villains.
Mission Song
John Le Carré
The Mission Song follows Bruno Salvador, a skilled interpreter with a complex background, as he becomes embroiled in a secret conference between Congolese warlords and Western interests. The novel explores themes of exploitation, geopolitics, and personal identity. Bruno's journey from naivety to awareness of Western hypocrisy is central to the story.
The Perfect Spy
The Perfect Spy
John Le Carré
John le Carré's 'A Perfect Spy' is a complex and deeply personal novel that delves into the life of Magnus Pym, a spy whose life is a carefully constructed deception. The novel explores themes of identity, betrayal, and the corrosive effects of secrets. Le Carré's masterful prose creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The novel's exploration of family dynamics and the psychological toll of espionage is both insightful and moving. 'A Perfect Spy' is a powerful and unforgettable read that showcases le Carré's ability to create richly layered characters and explore profound themes.
Smiley's people
John Le Carré
John le Carré's 'Smiley's People' is a gripping espionage novel that continues the story of George Smiley, the iconic spymaster. The novel follows Smiley's pursuit of Karla, his longtime nemesis, in a climactic confrontation that tests his skills and resolve. Le Carré masterfully weaves together political intrigue, personal relationships, and moral dilemmas, creating a complex and suspenseful narrative. The novel explores themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the human cost of espionage. 'Smiley's People' is a powerful and moving conclusion to the Smiley saga, leaving a lasting impression on readers.
For Your Eyes Only
Ian Fleming
Ian Fleming's "For Your Eyes Only" is a collection of short stories featuring James Bond. The stories showcase Bond's skills and resourcefulness as he tackles various missions, each with its own unique challenges and dangers. The collection features a mix of action, suspense, and intrigue, showcasing Bond's versatility and adaptability. "For Your Eyes Only" is a must-read for fans of the James Bond series, offering a diverse range of adventures. The collection's blend of short stories provides a variety of exciting and suspenseful reads.
From Russia with Love
Ian Fleming
In this fifth James Bond novel, Ian Fleming crafts a tale of espionage and intrigue. The story revolves around SMERSH's plan to assassinate Bond and discredit British Intelligence by using Corporal Tatiana Romanova, a Soviet cipher clerk, as bait. Romanova is instructed to pretend to defect to the British, offering them the Spektor decoding machine. Bond, sent to Istanbul to collect Romanova and the Spektor, navigates a complex web of Soviet agents, including the deadly Red Grant. The plot unfolds against the backdrop of Istanbul and the Orient Express, culminating in a tense confrontation that tests Bond's survival skills and loyalty.
A Perfect Spy
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George Orwell
John le Carre's "A Perfect Spy" delves into the complex world of espionage through the eyes of Magnus Pym, a spy whose life is a carefully constructed deception. The novel explores themes of betrayal, identity, and the moral ambiguities inherent in the spy game. Pym's intricate web of lies and manipulations unravels as he confronts his past and the consequences of his actions. Le Carre masterfully portrays the psychological toll of espionage, highlighting the human cost of deception and the struggle for self-preservation. The novel's intricate plot and compelling characters make it a standout in the spy fiction genre.
The constant gardener
John Le Carré
The Constant Gardener, written by John le Carré, follows Justin Quayle, a British diplomat in Nairobi, Kenya, as he investigates the murder of his wife Tessa. Tessa, an activist, had been uncovering a corporate scandal involving a pharmaceutical company, KVH, which was conducting unethical medical experiments in Africa. Justin's investigation reveals a complex conspiracy involving corrupt bureaucracy, pharmaceutical money, and international deceit. As he delves deeper, he faces numerous dangers and uncovers a trail of corruption that reaches into the highest levels of the British Foreign Office and beyond.
The Spy Who Came In From The Cold
John Le Carré
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold is a gripping Cold War novel by John le Carré, focusing on Alec Leamas, a British intelligence officer tasked with a final mission before retirement. Leamas is sent to East Germany as a faux defector to sow disinformation about Hans-Dieter Mundt, a powerful East German intelligence officer. The novel explores themes of espionage, loyalty, and the moral complexities of spy work during the Cold War era.
Live and Let Die
Ian Fleming
In *Live and Let Die*, Ian Fleming crafts a thrilling tale that takes James Bond from the vibrant jazz clubs of Harlem to the shark-infested waters of the Caribbean. Bond must stop Mr. Big, a ruthless gangster using voodoo to control his empire and aid Soviet interests. The novel explores themes of Cold War politics, race relations, and the clash of cultures.
Moonraker
Ian Fleming
In 'Moonraker,' James Bond is tasked with investigating Sir Hugo Drax, a wealthy industrialist financing the Moonraker missile project intended to provide Britain with an independent strategic nuclear capability. However, Bond soon discovers that Drax's true intentions are far from philanthropic. The novel unfolds with Bond uncovering Drax's plan to launch the missile at London and his subsequent efforts to thwart the plot. Unlike other Bond novels, this story is set entirely in Britain and delves deeper into the characters, particularly Bond's daily life and interactions with other characters like M and Gala Brand.
A Private Spy
John Le Carré
A Private Spy is a comprehensive collection of John le Carré's letters, spanning seven decades and providing a personal and historical perspective on his life and work. The book includes correspondence with notable figures such as Alec Guinness and offers a glimpse into le Carré's thoughts on politics, literature, and personal relationships.
Casino Royale
Ian Fleming
In *Casino Royale*, Ian Fleming introduces James Bond, a suave and supercompetent British spy. Bond is dispatched to the French casino town of Royale-les-Eaux to bankrupt Le Chiffre, a ruthless Russian agent who has embezzled Soviet funds. The mission involves a high-stakes game of baccarat, and if Bond succeeds, Le Chiffre will likely be executed by his Soviet paymasters. The novel also delves into Bond's relationship with Vesper Lynd, a mysterious and beautiful agent, and features elements of espionage, torture, and a bitter twist at the end. The book is known for its vivid descriptions of the casino scenes, Bond's introspective nature, and the philosophical discussions on good and evil[1][3][4].
Trigger Mortis
Anthony Horowitz
Trigger Mortis is a James Bond novel written by Anthony Horowitz, set in 1957, two weeks after the events of 'Goldfinger'. The story involves Bond's mission to protect a British race car driver from a Soviet plot and delves into the early space race. The novel features previously unpublished material by Ian Fleming and includes familiar characters such as Pussy Galore, M, and Miss Moneypenny. It is praised for its authentic recreation of the golden age of Bond, with elements of speed, danger, strong women, and fiendish villains[1][3][4].
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
John Le Carré
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[1][3][5].
Dr. No
Ian Fleming
In 'Dr. No,' James Bond is sent to Jamaica to investigate the disappearance of the local British agent, John Strangways, and his assistant. Bond soon discovers that the disappearance is linked to Dr. Julius No, a reclusive megalomaniac with steel pincers for hands, who is working with the Russians to sabotage US test missiles launched from Cape Canaveral. Bond must navigate through an obstacle course designed by Dr. No, face various deadly challenges, and ultimately confront a giant squid. The novel is known for its blend of action, espionage, and the iconic villainy of Dr. No, who is one of the most memorable characters in the series.
Goldfinger
Ian Fleming
In 'Goldfinger', James Bond delves into the world of Auric Goldfinger, a wealthy man obsessed with gold, who is suspected of being connected to SMERSH. As Bond investigates Goldfinger's activities, he discovers a massive plot to rob Fort Knox, leading to a thrilling adventure filled with espionage and danger. The novel explores themes of greed, power, and the complexities of Bond's character.
The Night Manager
John Le Carré
The Night Manager is John le Carré's first post-Cold War novel, detailing an undercover operation to take down Richard Onslow Roper, a billionaire arms and drug trafficker. Jonathan Pine, a former British soldier and night manager at a luxury hotel, seeks revenge against Roper for past injustices. Pine infiltrates Roper's organization, navigating a complex web of espionage and corruption within intelligence agencies.
1984
None
George Orwell
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
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They are the titans of the spy novel, who have elevated thrillers to the level of literary fiction. Much imitated, much adapted by the big and small screens, Ian Fleming and John Le Carré have painted our picture of post-war espionage: Fleming through the dashing figure of James Bond, with his lush locations and Martinis as icy as his heart; Le Carré through his damning portrait of the British secret service drawn from his own time in MI5 and MI6. But which of the two novelists is the greater? In this thrilling contest, Fleming’s case will made by Anthony Horowitz, creator of the bestselling Alex Rider spy novels and author of the official Bond continuation novel Trigger Mortis. Championing Le Carré – whose memoir about his life as a former spy currently sits in the bestseller lists – will be David Farr, Emmy-nominated screenwriter of the BBC’s adaptation of The Night Manager. Actors Lesley Manville, Simon Callow, Matthew Lewis and Alex Macqueen join us to bring both authors' works to life along with our host, author and critic Erica Wagner.
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