ABSTRACT
When John Le Carre has a book published the reviewers stampede to be quoted in the blurbs. The competition is stiff. ‘At least a masterpiece.’ ‘One o f the most interesting writers alive.’ The post imperialist condition is a grave matter, ‘a sombre and tragic theme’, and Le Carre has been numbered off as having the qualities to do it justice - ‘romantic and despairing’, ‘ironic, mournful and introspective’ . The BB C gave two o f the books ‘classic serial’ treatment: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, S p y , a sort o f Philby/Hollis story (who is the mole in the SIS?): and Smiley's People, about a cunning plot to force a Russian spymaster to defect. The Radio Times cover, ‘Alec Guinness is George Smiley’ , was deeply reassuring - Guinness is good for you, and Smiley is fresh from Star Wars. The viewer could sit back and enjoy the style, forget about the politics, write funny letters to the Guardian about the impenetrable plot, and let George work it out.
