Published by Hodder & Stoughton, London; 1980. 8vo. 327pp. First edition, first impression. Condition: Fine/Very Good+
Bound in original dark blue cloth boards with title to the spine. The binding is square and tight with just a touch of bumping to the spine ends and board corners. Inside, the pages are exceptionally clean and bright with no signs or wear or damage, not even a hint of toning or spotting.
The book is housed in its original, unclipped dust jacket, which is also in very smart condition. There is minor shelf wear to the edges, with one small tear to the rear bottom edge, and just a little fading to the spine. In all, however the jacket and book are both very clean and bright and in excellent condition.
In all, this is a lovely example of this very popular novel by le Carré, third instalment from his Karla Trilogy, following on from Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and The Honourable Schoolboy. This gripping thriller sees George Smiley out of retirement to investigate the death of one of his old agents, stalking his Russian counterpart, codenamed Karla, and resulting in their epic final duel. Smiley must fight a private battle between individual values and a sense of duty to his old service. His only ally - his skill. His only weapon - the ruthlessness of his adversary, which he must emulate to have any hope of victory. le Carré is largely considered the greatest espionage writer of the 20th Century, and this is evident in this classic le Carré tale, the last to feature George Smiley as a central figure. It was turned into a BBC mini series starring Alec Guiness in 1982. This is a very smart example and it would complement any collection it was a part of.