Overview

The reality of espionage isnt easily disentangled from its mythology and somewhere at the uneasy confluence of these dimensions is the fiction of John le Carr. A former British intelligence officer, le Carr has captured the shadows and textures of the covert world with a sure eye for its nuances and a deep appreciation of the human factor. And while intelligence work may be far removed from the experiences of most of us, its grand themes loyalty and betrayal touch everyone. In Le Carrs Landscape Tod Hoffman, a former intelligence officer, offers a unique perspective on le Carrs work. He juxtaposes his own experiences and extensive research with le Carrs fiction, shedding light on those dank recesses where spying is done. Taking the reader through the countries and continents of le Carrs fiction, Hoffman reflects on the political causes and personal effect of spying secrecy, manipulation, deceit, treason. Le Carrs Landscape is a unique look at the master of the spy genre a man who has captured the imaginations of millions of readers and perhaps enticed more than a few into the real world of espionage.

Full Product Details

9780773522626

Table of Contents

Reviews

This is an engaging book. Hoffmans eight years with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service gives the reader authentic insights into the shadowy world of spies. Allan English, author of The Changing Face of War I came away from this book not only entertained, but educated on various aspects of not only the literary history of John le Carr, but the day-to-day realities of true life espionage work. Carolyn Smart, Department of English, Queens University ... the author, one-time member of the Canadian secret services, has measured John le Carre's spy fiction against the reality of espionage, and found it disturbingly recognisable ... With its tastily cloak-and-dagger reminiscences, this is an intriguing document for Smiley admirers. --The Guardian, 15 December 2001

This is an engaging book. Hoffman's eight years with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service gives the reader authentic insights into the shadowy world of spies. Allan English, author of The Changing Face of War I came away from this book not only entertained, but educated on various aspects of not only the literary history of John le Carre, but the day-to-day realities of true life espionage work. Carolyn Smart, Department of English, Queen's University ... the author, one-time member of the Canadian secret services, has measured John le Carre's spy fiction against the reality of espionage, and found it disturbingly recognisable ... With its tastily cloak-and-dagger reminiscences, this is an intriguing document for Smiley admirers. - The Guardian, 15 December 2001

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Countries Available