Tinker Tailor Soldier by John Le Carre, Signed (31 results)

First edition. Movie tie-in edition. Signed by John le Carre on the title page. The movie tie-in edition with color photograph of Gary Oldman on the front cover with information regarding the film on the rear cover. Trade size paperback. First book in the trilogy in which George Smiley tries to find a Soviet "mole" hidden in the British Intelligence group. As new, unread copy.

Hard Cover. Condition: Near Fine+. Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket As Issued. Franklin Library Mystery Masterpiece Series. bound in deep blue-green leatherette with silver titles and decoration, three raised bands to the spine, all silver edges. Illustrations by Herbert Tauss. Fne except for some slight rubbing on front corner. SIGNED by John Le Carre on a photo-bookplate affixed on half-title page (signature only). (Bonus: Comes with a unsigned 1st Printing hardcover copy of Le Carre's novel "The Tailor of Panama"). NOTE: No international orders for this item. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Signed by Author.

Handsomely bound in shining dark brown full leather with raised bands, bright gilt tooling on the front and rear boards and along the spine. With moire silk end papers. All edges gilded; with a gold ribbon marker as well. Laid in is the printed and signed Easton Press Certificate of Authenticity Dated 16 July 2015. With "A Note About Tinker." Laid in as well. A fine copy of this signed classic of espionage. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a 1974 spy novel by British-Irish author John le Carré. It follows the endeavours of taciturn, aging spymaster George Smiley to uncover a Soviet mole in the British Secret Intelligence Service. The novel has received critical acclaim for its complex social commentaryand, at the time, relevance, following the defection of Kim Philby. It has been adapted into both a television series and a film, and remains a staple of the spy fiction genre.[2][3]Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy was followed by The Honourable Schoolboy in 1977 and Smiley's People in 1979. The three novels together make up the "Karla Trilogy", named after Smiley's long-time opponent Karla, the head of Soviet foreign intelligence and the trilogy's overarching antagonist.In 2022, the novel was included on the "Big Jubilee Read" list of 70 books by Commonwealth authors, selected to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II. (Wikipedia) First Easton Press edition, thus, with a new intro by John Le Carré.

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. FIRST. A FINE FIRST EDITION IN NEAR FINE DJ. SIGNED ON BOOKPLATE. PRICE ON DJ NOT PRICE CLIPPED. Signed by Author(s).

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. A superb later impression set of The Karla Trilogy, with all three volumes signed by the author on matching plates to the ffep: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy ('This impression 1985' stated), The Honourable Schoolboy (6th impression, 1982), Smiley's People (4th impression, 1980). Each volume is Fine: tight and square binding in sharp blue boards; crisp and clean, presenting as unread (just a tiny trace of spotting to the top-edge of the page block of TTSS). The dustwrappers are Fine, or very nearly Fine (HS): bright, vibrant and unfaded; minor wrinkling to the spine tips of TTSS, a hint of rubbing to the extremities of SP, and a 6mm closed tear to the top of the spine of HS. The wrappers are presented in removable, archival-quality Brodart protective covers. Excellent copies with the distinction of the author's signature. All orders are sent very carefully wrapped in bubble wrap and sturdy cardboard. Postage within the United Kingdom is free; overseas shipping will require an additional shipping charge (to cost). Signed by Author(s).

Hardcover. Condition: As New. SIGNED by John Le Carre. Comes with Easton's signed Certificate of Authenticity and Easton's "a note about" card. I bought this signed Easton Press book and many others from a wealthy Easton Press subscriber. I've been buying books from him for years and his books are always unread and As New. Bound in full brown leather with real gold decorations. Luxury features include gilded page edges, acid neutral paper that is sewn (not glued) into the binding, raised bands on the spine, moire endpapers, and a sewn-in leather bookmark. Ships same or next business day very well protected in a box. ; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 381 pages; Signed by Author.

Hard Cover. Condition: BOOK VERY GOOD+. Dust Jacket Condition: JACKET VERY GOOD+. 1st Edition. SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR on a special, decorative bookplate. A VERY CLEAN, NICE COPY WITH A BRIGHT, ATTRACTIVE DUSTJACKET IN NEW, GLOSSY BRODART. NO PREVIOUS OWNER MARKINGS. Decorative, blank bookplate on front pastedown. NOT A REMAINDER. FIRST PRINTING. NOT PRICE CLIPPED. 355 pages. (note: image next to listing may be a stock image not representative of Hodder dustjacket.) COLLECTIBLE COPY. Signed by Author.

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. FIRST. ALL THREE VOLUMES ARE VERY GOOD FIRST EDITION FIRST PRINTINGS WITH TIPPED IN SIGNATURE IN VOLUME ONE. LAID IN SIGNATURE. Signed by Author(s).

Soft cover. Condition: New. Dust Jacket Condition: New. Special Edition. Signed copy of John Le Carré, Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy, reedited on the same year the film based on the book was released. Mint condition. Signed by Author(s).

Hard Cover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st US Edition/1st Printing. SIGNED by John Le Carre on a bookplate affixed to dedication page (signature only). $7.95 price present on DJ flap; mylar protected. Also includes several signed items from wonderful BBC 1979 TV Movie adaptation of novel. Attached to front end page is a B&W photo SIGNED by ALEC GUINNESS (played 'George Smiley'). Attached to first fly-page is a bookplate SIGNED by MICHAEL JAYSTON (played 'Peter Guillam') plus a another bookplate SIGNED by BERNARD HEPTON (played 'Toby Esterhase'). Attached on opposite page is a bookplate SIGNED by SIAN PHILLIPS (played 'Ann Smiley') and a cut-signature sheet SIGNED by ALEXANDER KNOX (played 'Control'). Laid-in is a handwritten thank you note SIGNED by ANTHONY BATE (played 'Oliver Lucon'); a small cut-signature return-address SIGNED by ALEC SABIN (played 'Fawn'); a card SIGNED by IAN BANNEN (played 'Jim Prideaux'); a card SIGNED by BERYL REID (played 'Connie Sachs'); a handwritten thank you note SIGNED by SIR JOHN STANDING (played 'Sam Collins'); and a image sheet SIGNED by TONY PIERCE-ROBERTS (cinematographer on series). ALSO: From the new 2011 Tomas Alfredson film adaptation of novel are laid-in a color image sheet of movie poster SIGNED and inscribed by TOMAS ALFREDSON (the film's Director); a small color photo SIGNED and inscribed by MICHAEL SARNE (was 'voice of Karla'); a color photo sheet SIGNED by CIARAN HINDS (played ' Roy Bland'); a card SIGNED by PETER STRAUGHAN (the film's Screenwriter); and a smalll color photo SIGNED and inscribed by COLIN FIRTH (played 'Bill Haydon'). Also includes original New York Times article on the 2011 film. (Bonus: Comes with a unsigned 1st Printing hardcover copy of Le Carre's novel "The Tailor of Panama"). Also laid-in is the original Philadelphia Inquirer obituary for Le Carre.Very special signed copy with unique signed movie tie-ins from some of Britain's finest actors for the Le Carre--Tinker Tailor fan or collector. Note: No International orders for this item. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Signed by Author.

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. The famous Karla/George Smiley Trilogy by John Le Carre. TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY - 1st UK printing, 1974. A genuine SIGNED Bookplate is affixed to the front endpaper. A Fine/Near Fine book with light foxing to the reverse side of the dust jacket, else a beautiful clean unmarked book. Top edge stained plumb as issued. In a price clipped jacket which is nicely preserved in an archival jacket protector, though the spine has faded (as is so often the case). THE HONOROUABLE SCHOOLBOY - 1st UK printing, 1977. A Fine crisp, clean book, with a previous owner name along the top edge of the illustrated front endpaper (now stroked through), else Fine. In a Near Fine price clipped jacket which shows light wear along the extremities, a small closed tear, with the glossy black finish of the jacket chipped at head/foot of spine leaving only the white backing of the jacket, else Near Fine. SMILEY'S PEOPLE - 1st UK Edition, 1979. A Fine unmarked book. As New. In the complete Dust Jacket with original price intact. The jacket is beautifully preserved and is like new. A better copy will be hard to find. A very attractive autographed set of the 20th Century's best Cold War spy novels. This three volume set will require extra shipping. Email for quote. Robust shipping. Signed by Author(s).

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. The famous Karla/George Smiley Trilogy by John Le Carre. All three volumes are the UK 1st Edition, 1st Printing. The books and jackets are especially nice. All books are photographed without acetate jacket protectors but all books will have fresh acetates provided upon purchase. TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY - 1st UK printing, 1974. A Fine/Fine book with light foxing to the fore-edges, else a beautiful clean unmarked book. Top edge stained plumb as issued. In a price clipped jacket which shows remarkably well and it is very unusual to find the spine of this jacket so dark. A touch of wear to the bottom corners only. And now preserved in an archival jacket protector. A genuine signed bookplate is affixed to the front endpaper. THE HONOROUABLE SCHOOLBOY - 1st UK printing, 1977. A Fine book, in a Near Fine price clipped jacket which shows light wear and one or two smallish chips along the extremities, a small crease to bottom of front panel, and a 5 mm closed tear to top edge, else Near Fine. SMILEY'S PEOPLE - 1st UK Edition, 1979. A Fine book in a Fine unclipped dust jacket. In the complete Dust Jacket with original price intact. The book has a previous owner name and circular seal pressed into the front endpaper. Otherwise a Fine unmarked copy in a beautiful jacket. A very attractive autographed set of the 20th Century's best Cold War spy novels. This three volume set will require extra shipping. Email for quote. Robust shipping. Signed by Author(s).

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. First Edition, First Printing SIGNED by John Le Carre on a laid in signature. An attractive dustjacket that has some fading to the spine. The book is bound in the publisher's black cloth and is in excellent condition. The binding is tight with minor wear to the edges. The pages are clean with NO marks or bookplates in the book. A lovely copy in collector's condition. Signed by Author(s).

Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. First Edition. First US edition, near fine in a near fine dust jacket. Endpapers are just slightly darkened; gilt lettering on spine is slightly rubbed at edges. The jacket has minor edgewear. The first volume in the three book series featuring George Smiley and his Russian counterpart, Karla. $7.95 price on jacket flap; no names or other marking in or on book, with the exception of the author's signature on the half title page. Signed by Author(s).

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good+. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good+. 1st Edition. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Signed by John le Carré First Edition Hodder & Stoughton 1974. A VG+ copy. No previous owner's marks or inscriptions and contents unblemished throughout. No foxing to edges. Covers without marks or toning. Very small bump to bottom right hand corner of front cover (see image). In a VG+ price clipped dust jacket with no creasing, tears or loss and none of the usual fading to spine. SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR without dedication directly to title page. Signed by Author(s).

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. Limited Edition. John le Carré (2011) 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy', UK limited edition, published by Hodder & Stoughton. One of only 250 copies signed by the author John le Carré, the being no. 244. Designed by Paul Smith. Condition: a fine and unread copy and until recently still sealed in its original plasctic wrapper which we have opened to image the item as shown. A landmark book of spy fiction. Adapted several times as a TV-series; radio show as well as a Hollywood film. This is the only signed limited edition of the title ever produced. This first instalment of the Karla trilogy, and the novel The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1963) are the two works for which le Carré will best be remembered for. First and Fine. Signed by Author(s).

Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. A near fine to fine copy in black boards with gold gilt lettering on the spine and on the front board in a near fine, unclipped dust jacket showing a price of $7.95. DJ would be fine but for a crease along the front inner flap running from top to bottom ( see picture). SIGNED BY JOHN LE CARRE DIRECTLY ON THE TITLE PAGE WITH A SLIP PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR STATING " WITH THE COMPLIMENTS OF JOHN LE CARRE" This is a lovely clean tight copy with no markings, rarely seen in this condition and with signature directly on the title page, with provenance. Provenance will be provided in the form of a copy of an exchange of emails with the author's representaive. Signed by Author(s).

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. First UK Edition/First Printing. Hardcover. Fine book in a fine unclipped dust jacket. The book is not signed by the author. Includes a loose first page from the novel, annotated and signed by the author in his hand "John Le Carre burnt the first version of this novel. This was the beginning of the new beginning.John Le Carre". Le Carre offered an explanation for the writing of this novel in a 2011 introduction to a later edition of the novel as he originally began to compose the story without flashbacks. Frustrated with the attempt, Le Carre burnt the first version of the manuscript and reworked, with flashbacks, and published in 1974 the final version. Signed by Author(s).

A first edition, first printing published by Hodder and Stoughton in 1974. A fine book with one neat name to the half-title - SIGNED without dedication to the title page by Le Carre. In a fine neatly clipped wrapper WITHOUT fading to the spine. One touch of rubbing to the top of the spine - certainly the best example we have ever handled.

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Signed by John le Carré First Edition Hodder & Stoughton 1974. No previous owner's name inscriptions or marks. Contents and edges free of foxing or toning and unblemished throughout. Top edge tint still bold in colour. Covers are fine and without bumping or rubbing, gilt still bright. In a fine dust jacket with no creasing, loss or tears and not price clipped. SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR directly to title page without dedication. Signed by Author(s).

An uncorrected proof of Le Carre's masterpiece, published in 1974 by Hodder and Stoughton. With the rare proof dust wrapper. The book is without inscriptions with some rubbing and a little browning in place to the spine. SIGNED to a bookplate affixed to the title page, 'John Le Carre, aka David Cornwall'. The rare proof dust wrapper has wear to the corners and edges and a little sunning to the spine. Exceptionally scarce.

Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Signed by John le Carré First Edition Hodder & Stoughton 1974. A near fine copy. No inscriptions or signs of ownership. Top edge tint still bold and bright, no bumping to corners or edges. In a near fine dust jacket that has no fading at all to spine. Not price clipped. SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR directly to half title page without dedication. "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" by John le Carré is a gripping espionage novel set during the Cold War. The story follows George Smiley, a retired British intelligence officer, who is brought back into the world of espionage to uncover a Soviet mole within the highest ranks of the British Secret Service, known as the Circus. Smiley must navigate a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and hidden identities as he delves into the past and present activities of his former colleagues. With meticulous detail and psychological depth, Le Carré crafts a thrilling tale of intrigue, loyalty, and the cost of espionage in a world where trust is a luxury. Signed by Author(s).

[Espionage thriller] ALL FIRST EDITIONS, SIGNED in first volume. Three volumes complete, uniform octavos (22 x 14 x 11cm). Publisher's blue and black hardcovers lettered in gilt, purple top stain to first volume, peach-coloured endpapers to first volume, Hong Kong/China map endpapers to second volume (the earliest issue), photographic dust-wrappers. Signed directly to title page (without dedication) in blue ballpoint. A moderately used set with some acceptable wear, dustiness/spotting to edges, jackets not clipped, some edge wear, gently sunned to spines, a few short tears to crown of second volume with a few small tape strips to reverse side. Shows well. The author's masterwork, a thrilling elegy for post-imperial Britain. 'Tinker Tailor.' was the basis for the Oscar-nominated 2011 film starring Gary Oldman. From the collection of distinguished French literature scholar Artine Artinian (1907-2005), with his elegant bookplate to pastedown. Artinian edited and published the complete short stories of Guy de Maupassant, plus criticism and bibliography. Listed in The Observer's All-Time 100 Best Novels [2003] and The Times' NovelList 60 Greatest Books Poll [2013]. See also Haining: Crime Fiction, p.208.

Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" by John Le Carre. 1974 first UK edition first printing, double-signed by the author "John Le Carré alias David Cornwell - or the other way around!" on title, original boards, dust-jacket, light creasing to head, small patch of laminate lifting at upper joint, faint rubbing to upper and lower edge, but a near-fine example generally. Rare double-signed and in such good condition without the usual fading to spine. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a 1974 spy novel by British-Irish author John le Carré. It follows the endeavours of taciturn, aging spymaster George Smiley to uncover a Soviet mole in the British Secret Intelligence Service. The novel has received critical acclaim for its complex social commentaryand, at the time, relevance, following the defection of Kim Philby. It has been adapted into both a television series and a film, and remains a staple of the spy fiction genre.[2][3] Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy was followed by The Honourable Schoolboy in 1977 and Smiley's People in 1979. The three novels together make up the "Karla Trilogy", named after Smiley's long-time opponent Karla, the head of Soviet foreign intelligence and the trilogy's overarching antagonist. In 2022, the novel was included on the "Big Jubilee Read" list of 70 books by Commonwealth authors, selected to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Inscribed by Author(s).

First editions of each title in the author's acclaimed Karla Trilogy. Octavo, original cloth, 3 volumes. Each volume is signed by John le Carre on a bookplate to the title page. Each is near fine in near fine dust jackets. An exceptional set, uncommon in this condition and signed. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy garnered instant praise for Le Carre as "[t]he premier spy novelist of his time. Perhaps of all time" (Time). "Le Carre is simply the world's greatest fictional spymaster" (Newsweek). Le Carre's inspiration drew from his experience of the revealing of the Cambridge Five traitors in the 1950s and '60s (Anthony, 2009), and the novel's popularity can be seen in relation to those shocking events. In 2011, the novel was adapted into a successful film, starring Gary Oldman and Colin Firth, and it received three nominations at the 84th Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Actor. This successful production is but one of Le Carre's numerous accolades in espionage fiction. He was awarded both the Helmerich Award and the Goethe Medal, and, in 2008, The Times ranked Le Carré 22nd on its list of "The 50 greatest British writers since 1945.".

First editions of each title in the author's acclaimed Karla Trilogy. Octavo, 3 volumes, bound in full morocco, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, raised bands, inner dentelles, all edges gilt. Each volume is signed by John le Carre on a bookplate, with two signed "John le Carre aka David Cornwell." Each are in fine condition. Each volume is housed in a custom slipcase. An exceptional set, uncommon signed. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy garnered instant praise for Le Carre as "[t]he premier spy novelist of his time. Perhaps of all time" (Time). "Le Carre is simply the world's greatest fictional spymaster" (Newsweek). Le Carre's inspiration drew from his experience of the revealing of the Cambridge Five traitors in the 1950s and '60s (Anthony, 2009), and the novel's popularity can be seen in relation to those shocking events. In 2011, the novel was adapted into a successful film, starring Gary Oldman and Colin Firth, and it received three nominations at the 84th Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Actor. This successful production is but one of Le Carre's numerous accolades in espionage fiction. He was awarded both the Helmerich Award and the Goethe Medal, and, in 2008, The Times ranked Le Carré 22nd on its list of "The 50 greatest British writers since 1945.".

First British edition of the author's seventh novel and what many consider to be his finest. Octavo, original cloth. Signed by author on the title page, "with best wishes John le Carre" and by the author's father, "and much love from his father Ronnie July 1974." Ronald Cornwell was the father of le Carre and was a known associate of the Kray twins. The family was continually in debt. The fatherâ"son relationship has been described as "difficult". Rick Pym, a scheming con man and the father of A Perfect Spy protagonist Magnus Pym, was based on Ronnie. When his father died in 1975, Cornwell paid for a memorial funeral service but did not attend, a plot point repeated in A Perfect Spy. Fine in a near fine dust jacket. An exceptional example, rare and desirable signed by both son and father, this is the first example we have seen. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy garnered instant praise for Le Carre as "[t]he premier spy novelist of his time. Perhaps of all time" (Time). "Le Carre is simply the world's greatest fictional spymaster" (Newsweek). Le Carre's inspiration drew from his experience of the revealing of the Cambridge Five traitors in the 1950s and '60s (Anthony, 2009), and the novel's popularity can be seen in relation to those shocking events. In 2011, the novel was adapted into a successful film, starring Gary Oldman and Colin Firth, and it received three nominations at the 84th Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Actor. This successful production is but one of Le Carre's numerous accolades in espionage fiction. He was awarded both the Helmerich Award and the Goethe Medal, and, in 2008, The Times ranked Le Carré 22nd on its list of "The 50 greatest British writers since 1945.".

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. A set of the 'Karla' Trilogy : 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy', 'The Honourable Schoolboy' And 'Smiley's People'. All three titles are the First UK printings published by Hodder and Stoughton in 1974, 1977 and 1979 respectively. All three titles have been signed (without dedication) by the author to the title page. All three titles were signed at the same private signing event in 2019. Further details regarding this event can be supplied for provenance. Vol. 1) 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' : The BOOK is in Very Good++ or better condition. Light pushing at the spine ends. The gilt titling remains bright. Light toning and spotting to the text-block. Free from inscriptions. The WRAPPER is complete and is in Very Good++ condition. It bears the correct price of '£2.95' to the lower front flap. Light edge wear with the usual fading of colouring to the spine. A very tiny light watermark to the lower rear corner, which is barely discernible. Vol.2) 'The Honourable Schoolboy' : The BOOK is in Very Good++ or better condition. Blue map end-papers. Light pushing at the spine ends with a little fading at the extreme edges. The gilt titling remains bright. Some light toning and spotting to the text-block. Free from inscriptions. The WRAPPER is complete and is in near Fine condition. It bears the correct price of '£4.95' to the lower front flap. Only very light edge wear with a small closed tear to the lower front edge. Vol.3) 'Smiley's People' :The BOOK is in near Fine condition. Only very slight pushing at the spine ends. The gilt titling remains bright. Free from inscriptions. The WRAPPER is complete and is in near Fine condition. It bears the correct price of '£5.95' to the lower front flap. Only a hint of edge wear with light toning to the rear upper edge. A light vertical crease to the front flap but barely discernible. No fading of the orange colouring to the design on the spine. All three wrappers are protected in removable Brodart archival covers. A very scarce set of the author's landmark trilogy with such attributes and full provenance provided. Collectible. More images available on request. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact. Signed by Author(s).

First editions, presentation copies, inscribed by le Carré to his friend Jerzy Pietrkiewicz and with Pietrkiewicz's library stamps. Pietrkiewicz was a Polish poet, novelist, and translator who emigrated to England during the Second World War, later becoming professor of Polish literature at King's College London. The second and third works are first impressions, while the first is a second impression. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is inscribed on the front free endpaper: "For Jerzy with love, David, alias John lé Carre". The Honourable Schoolboy is signed on the title page and inscribed below the dedication: "and for Jerzy with affection & admiration, David". Smiley's People is signed on the copyright page and inscribed on the title "* for friendship / for jerzy with deep affection and gratitude* / from David 3 Feb 80. In the Hampstead Salon". It is unusual to encounter all three books inscribed to the same recipient. The trilogy saw the return of le Carré's hero and master-spy George Smiley, almost ten years after the success of The Looking Glass War in 1965. Smiley is "an anti-Bond figure: dumpy, bespectacled, intellectual, mundane, and nearly invisible. In the Karla Trilogy. le Carré perfects the novelistic form of the realist spy" (Prévost, p. 197). Provenance: from the library of Charlie Watts (1941-2021), the drummer of the Rolling Stones from 1963 until his death, with his posthumous bookplates. Maxime Prévost, "Mythology and Diplomacy in Works by Ian Fleming and John le Carré", in Isabelle Daunais & Allan Hepburn, eds, Diplomacy and the Modern Novel, 2020. Three works, octavo. Original blue boards, titles to spines gilt. With dust jackets. Old newspaper clipping with article on Sir Maurice Oldfield loosely inserted in Smiley's People; Oldfield, MI6 director between 1973 and 1978, was one of Carré's models for the character of Smiley. Spine of The Honourable Schoolboy slightly faded at ends and with faint offsetting from jacket, otherwise all fine; jackets sunned at spine, that of The Honourable Schoolboy with short closed tear at foot, jackets unclipped; a fine set in near-fine jackets.

Three separate books, all first editions, first printings. Tinker Tailor, Soldier Spy published in 1974; The Honourable Schoolboy published in 1977; Smiley's People published 1980. All books are near fine/near fine. 'Tinker Tailor' is not price clipped, has a small thin stain to the foot of the inside of the wrapper and no inscriptions in the book - some light spotting to the page edges and prelims. SIGNED by the Author to the title page. 'The Honourable Schoolboy' is near fine - the DJ is not price clipped and has a little wear to the spine tips. SIGNED by the Author to the tile page. 'Smiley's People' - book but is fine and has no inscriptions (some light spotting to the endpapers) - not clipped. SIGNED by the Author to the title page. All now protected in Brodart wrappers. The first volume was the basis for the 1970s series starring Sir Alec Guinness and latterly the excellent motion picture featuring Gary Oldman. A near fine set and exceptionally scarce SIGNED. All books were signed at Hatchards in 2018.