Intro
Get ready to dive into the world of espionage with the George Smiley book series in order. This article provides a comprehensive guide to John le Carrés iconic novels, following the characters evolution from Call for the Dead to A Legacy of Spies. Explore the intricate web of Cold War espionage, surveillance, and counter-intelligence with our detailed reading list.
The George Smiley book series, written by John le Carré, is a collection of eight novels that follow the character of George Smiley, a British intelligence officer. The series is known for its intricate plots, complex characters, and detailed exploration of the world of espionage.
George Smiley is a central figure in le Carré's works, appearing in eight of his novels, as well as several short stories and adaptations. He is a brilliant, yet unassuming, intelligence officer who works for the Circus, the British Secret Intelligence Service.
The George Smiley series is a must-read for fans of spy fiction, with its intricate plots, complex characters, and detailed exploration of the world of espionage. Here's a brief overview of the series:
Call for the Dead (1961)
The first novel in the series, Call for the Dead, introduces us to George Smiley, a retired intelligence officer who is brought back in for a seemingly routine investigation. The story follows Smiley as he delves deeper into the world of espionage, uncovering a complex web of secrets and lies.
A Murder of Quality (1962)
In the second novel, A Murder of Quality, Smiley is once again drawn into the world of espionage, this time to investigate a murder at a prestigious boarding school. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a complex web of secrets and lies that lead him to question the very fabric of the British establishment.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (1974)
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is widely regarded as one of the greatest spy novels of all time. The story follows Smiley as he is brought out of retirement to uncover a mole within the Circus. The novel is a masterclass in suspense and intrigue, with Smiley's investigation leading him deep into the heart of the British establishment.
The Honourable Schoolboy (1977)
The Honourable Schoolboy is the fourth novel in the series and follows Smiley as he becomes embroiled in a complex plot to uncover a mole within the Circus. The story takes Smiley to the Far East, where he must navigate a complex web of intrigue and deception.
Smiley's People (1980)
Smiley's People is the fifth novel in the series and follows Smiley as he becomes embroiled in a complex plot to uncover a mole within the Circus. The story takes Smiley to the Soviet Union, where he must navigate a complex web of intrigue and deception.
The Secret Pilgrim (1990)
The Secret Pilgrim is the sixth novel in the series and follows Smiley as he looks back on his career in the Circus. The story is a series of reminiscences, each of which reveals a different aspect of Smiley's character.
A Legacy of Spies (2017)
A Legacy of Spies is the seventh novel in the series and follows Smiley's protégé, Peter Guillam, as he looks back on his career in the Circus. The story is a complex exploration of the world of espionage, revealing secrets and lies that have been hidden for decades.
The Pigeon Tunnel (2016)
The Pigeon Tunnel is a collection of autobiographical stories by John le Carré, which explores his own experiences in the world of espionage. The book is a fascinating insight into the world of intelligence gathering and the people who work in it.
Gallery of George Smiley Book Series
George Smiley Book Series Image Gallery
What is the order of the George Smiley book series?
+The George Smiley book series by John le Carré is in the following order: Call for the Dead, A Murder of Quality, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, The Honourable Schoolboy, Smiley's People, The Secret Pilgrim, and A Legacy of Spies.
What is the best George Smiley book to start with?
+The best George Smiley book to start with is Call for the Dead, which introduces the character and sets the tone for the rest of the series.
Is the George Smiley series based on real events?
+While the George Smiley series is fiction, it is heavily influenced by John le Carré's own experiences in the world of espionage. Many of the events and characters in the series are inspired by real people and events.
If you're a fan of spy fiction, the George Smiley series is a must-read. With its intricate plots, complex characters, and detailed exploration of the world of espionage, the series is a masterclass in suspense and intrigue. So why not start your journey into the world of George Smiley today?