Inside the John le Carré Tradecraft Exhibition

Learn more about the John le Carré Tradecraft exhibition in Oxford revealing John le Carré’s meticulous research, unseen manuscripts, and the personal life behind the spy fiction. In Spybrary Ep. 275, we speak with the curators about what they uncovered and what it tells us about the master of espionage fiction. In this episode of Spybrary , Shane Whaley hosts a conversation into Tradecraft, the new exhibition at Oxford’s Bodleian Library focusing on John le Carré (David Cornwell). His guests are Professor Federico Varese and Dr Jessica Douthwaite, who co‑curated the exhibition. They explore how the exhibit reveals le Carré’s working methods, personal life, and research habits. From manuscript drafts and scribbles on hotel stationery to his mother’s abandoned suitcase, the conversation explores how le Carré meticulously researched his books, how he conceives characters like George Smiley, and what the curators hope visitors take away. They also discuss key artifact highlights, the challenge of selecting what to display from over 1,200 archive boxes, and deeper questions: why did he write in fiction rather than non‑fiction, and what question would the curators ask le Carré if they could meet him? Spybrary host Shane Whaley also asked the curators which John le Carré novels they recommend for those new to his work as well as how they selected the nine le Carré books on which the John le Carré exhibition is based. Key Topics / Themes The intersection of fiction, fact and research in le Carré’s method Le Carré’s meticulous research process (notes, drafts, corrections) The role of Jane Cornwell (his wife) as collaborator and editor The curatorial challenge of selecting from the vast John le Carré archives Personal artifacts as gateways into the life behind the author How le Carré anticipated geopolitical trends (pharma, corruption, security) The emotional impact the Tradecraft exhibition had on the author's family. The question of why he chose fiction rather than non-fiction as his medium And why did he David Cornwell choose the pen name John le Carré. Shane also thanked the curators for making the Tradecraft exhibition accessible to both le Carré scholars and to those who may never have read any John le Carré novels. Join the Spybrary Community Today

Step back into the shadows of Cold War Berlin with this week’s episode of Spybrary. My guest is James Stejskal, a former U.S. Special Forces operator who spent 23 years in clandestine service—much of it in divided Berlin. He’s just released his new book, Berlin: A Spy’s Guide to it's Cold War History in Story and Image, and joins me to share his tips on the best Berlin Cold War sites to visit. You’ll hear about: Why Berlin is the city of spies! What it was really like serving in Berlin during the Cold War. His picks for the three essential Cold War spy sites every fan must visit. Three hidden, off-the-beaten-track spots in Berlin that most tourists miss. Which spy novelist best captured the city’s tense, shadowy atmosphere. My own must-see Berlin recommendations for spy enthusiasts. If Berlin is on your travel list—or if you’re fascinated by the city’s role in espionage and cold war history—this episode is for yo  

Shane Whaley and author I.S. Berry (The Peacock and the Sparrow) welcome spy thriller author Dan Fesperman to talk about his latest novel, Pariah. What happens when a disgraced stand-up comedian becomes a CIA asset in a fictional Eastern European country? Listen/Watch On. Topics covered include: The real-world politics that inspired Pariah How cancel culture shapes protagonist Hal Knight Building a believable fictional Eastern/Central European setting (Bolrovia!) Why did Dan Fesperman choose to create a fictional country rather than base Pariah in a real country? Humour in serious spy fiction Do spy novels need to have a geopolitical canvas? Food in spy novels. Chimney cake anyone? Why Dan Fesperman’s audiobook producer stopped him from singing one of the songs referenced in Pariah. Dan Fesperman also reveals that his next novel will feature Winter Work’s Emil Grimm; he also shares his thoughts on what makes a spy novel and the guests give a shoutout to the unsung real-life spies. Dan Fesperman's Pariah is perfect for fans of le Carré, McCloskey, Paul Vidich and for readers craving spy fiction with depth, nuance and laughs. Grab your copy of Pariah now and join the conversation in t

In this episode of Spybrary, host Shane Whaley interviews author Alex Gerlis about his latest novel, The Second Traitor, book 2 in the spy series which is set against the backdrop of World War II and the early Cold War. They discuss the complexities of writing historical fiction, the importance of research, and the intricate character dynamics within the story. Gerlis shares insights into the historical events that inspired his work, including Operation Sea Lion, the Invasion Warning, Sub-Committee and the role of German intelligence (Abwehr). The conversation also touches on the balance between action and intrigue in spy fiction, as well as the challenges of writing sensitive topics and sex scenes. Highlights of our conversation with author Alex Gerlis. The Second Traitor is the second book in a four-part series. Readers can jump into the second book without reading the first. Historical accuracy is crucial in writing spy fiction. Operation Sea Lion was a significant but ultimately failed Nazi plan. Were the Abwehr sending second-rate spies to Britain? Character development is key to engaging storytelling. Gerlis prefers to allude to intimate scenes rather than describe them in detail. Researching real locations adds authenticity to the narrative. The Invasion Warning Subcommittee was a real organization during WWII. Gerlis's writing process is flexible and not overly planned.   If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Your support helps more spy fiction fans discover the show. Don’t forget to follow, share, and stay tuned for more tales from the world of espionage. Join us for this enthralling conversation and then connect with your fellow espionage aficionados in our online community to share your thoughts on Alex Gerlis's spy novels

Dive into Three Days of the Condor with Spybrary.  CIA conspiracies, moped escapes, and one of the best assassins in spy cinema. Redford stars in this slow-burn, cerebral classic that still resonates today. Join 4000 other spy fans, chatting spy movies, books and TV. https://www.spybrary.com/community Welcome to another edition of Section F on Spybrary, where spy film enthusiasts gather to dissect classic espionage cinema. In Episode 270, Shane is joined by Michael, Jonathan, and debut guest Pierce to delve deep into Three Days of the Condor (1975), directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Robert Redford. Episode Summary The team begins with a spoiler-free introduction to the film's plot and style, helping newcomers decide if it's their kind of spy movie. Then they dive into a rich, spoiler-heavy discussion covering historical context, casting choices, character analysis, plot structure, and the film's legacy in spy cinema. They also compare the movie to James Grady's novel Six Days of the Condor and debate the effectiveness of the movie's ambiguous ending. 

Prepare to experience Ian Fleming's James Bond novels as if reading them for the first time in the year of publication, as we embark on this 007 James Bond literary adventure together. In this time‑travel special, the Spybrary crew—Shane, David Craggs, Andy Onyx, and Ian Douglas—journey back to 1964 to dissect Ian Fleming’s latest novel, You Only Live Twice. They kick off by setting the scene: Bond mania is reaching fever pitch, with spy fiction booming, thanks to Ian Fleming, the Bond films are on a roll, and Fleming reported to be in very ill-heath. As the conversation delves into You Only Live Twice, be warned that the Spybrary panel expresses mixed feelings. They praise Fleming’s immersive evocation of Japan and its culture,  but some criticize the sparse action, flimsy plot advancement (especially the “Magic 44” intel) and Blofeld’s relatively abrupt demise.  From exotic Japan and ninja assassins to the novels shocking conclusion, we dissect culture, plot, and Blofeld’s bizarre garden. Was this bold detour worth it? Tune in and find out! Join the Spybrary Community for daily spy chat with fellow fans: https://www.spybrary.com/community Buy the book and support Spybrary - https://geni.us/gqpW

Gordon Corera makes his Spybrary debut in this riveting episode of the Spybrary podcast. Host Shane Whaley welcomes the former BBC security correspondent, espionage historian and host of The Rest is Classified podcast, Gordon Corera to discuss his latest book, The Spy in the Archive. The Cold War might be over, but its shadows stretch far into the present. What if one of the Soviet Union’s most overlooked insiders — a quiet KGB archivist — decided to turn against the very institution he once served? How did he smuggle a mountain of secrets out from under Moscow’s nose? And why did the CIA turn him away, only for MI6 to uncover what may be the most valuable intelligence defection of the era? This is the extraordinary true story of Vasili Mitrokhin — a man whose private rebellion against the KGB became a mission to expose its darkest truths. With deep ideological conviction, he spent years quietly copying thousands of classified files, building a secret archive buried beneath his dacha floorboards. His eventual escape, orchestrated by MI6, and the revelations that followed would reshape our understanding of Soviet espionage forever. The conversation dives deep into the life and legacy of Vasili Mitrokhin, a former KGB archivist turned dissident who smuggled out a trove of intelligence that would become one of the most important Cold War revelations. Gordon shares the challenges of researching this secretive figure, the personal and ideological motivations behind Mitrokhin’s actions, the drama of his family’s exfiltration by MI6, and how his warnings about the persistence of the KGB mindset still echo today. This episode offers a unique blend of spy history, investigative journalism, and human drama. Gordon Corera's book: The Spy in the Archive Gordon Corera Official Website Join the Spybrary Community

In this special episode of Spybrary, Shane is joined by fellow spy fan Joe Modzelewski for an in-depth International Spy Museum review. Recorded after their recent visit to the museum in Washington D.C., this episode is packed with honest reflections, surprising discoveries, and plenty of spy geekery. From Virginia Hall’s heroic story to rare artifacts like the Enigma machine and a section of the Berlin Tunnel, Shane and Joe cover it all—including the museum’s interactive spy games, an exhibit on intelligence analysis, and the must-see “Bond in Motion” car display. Whether you're a longtime espionage fiction enthusiast or just planning your first visit, this is your ultimate guide to navigating the International Spy Museum and getting the most out of it. 🕵️‍♂️ Topics include: What makes the Spy Museum a must-visit Interactive missions and spy quizzes Rare Cold War artifacts and East German intel gear The museum's educational value for casual fans and hardcore readers alike Bond in Motion: Why it’s not just for car buffs What spy books is Joe reading and who are some of his favourites. 🎟️ Plan your visit: https://www.spymuseum.org

On this episode of Spybrary, I welcome back one of today's finest spy fiction authors, Paul Vidich. We're diving into his gripping new novel, The Poet's Game, a contemporary espionage thriller rooted in the tense geopolitics of modern-day Russia and the United States. Paul joins me to unpack the creative process, real-life inspirations, and the deeply personal conflicts faced by his latest protagonist, Alex Matthews. We explore how Paul's personal family connections to the intelligence world have shaped his storytelling, and what drives him to keep revisiting the morally complex world of spies. From constructing rich character backstories to virtually navigating the streets of Moscow via Google Street View, Paul reveals the meticulous research and layered writing that make his novels so immersive. Tune in to hear about literary Easter eggs, historical intrigue, and the emotional depths that define The Poet's Game. [2:22] - Paul shares the real-life inspiration behind his enduring fascination with spy fiction. [4:50] - The 2017 White House meeting that sparked the idea for The Poet's Game. [7:42] - Decoding the significance of the title and the poetic codenames in the novel. [11:21] - How personal loss and professional guilt shape protagonist Alex Matthews. [18:47] - The secrets to vividly portraying cities like Moscow without ever visiting. [24:42] - The role of real historical figures and why Paul doesn't shy away from controversy. [32:25] - The E. Howard Hunt Easter egg and why The Judas Hour made it into the story. [42:54] - What Paul hopes readers will take away from The Poet's Game. Links & Resources: Buy The Poet's Game by Paul Vidich: [Available at all major bookstores and online retailers] Paul Vidich Official Website Join the Spybrary Community: https://spybrary.com/community The Spy Reader's Guide to the spy books of Paul Vidich Previous Paul Vidich interviews and conversations on Spybrary.  

Fans of George Smiley, John le Carré’s legendary spymaster, have reason to celebrate. In a rare double coup for the espionage world, Nick Harkaway—le Carré’s son—has announced The Taper Man, a new Smiley novel arriving in 2026, while The Spy Who Came in From the Cold will receive its first-ever stage adaptation in the West End this autumn. The announcement marks a major return of the “Circus,” le Carré’s iconic fictionalised British intelligence service, and the literary rebirth of one of spy fiction’s most enduring characters. Join Spybrary - the ultimate community for spy fiction fans. The Taper Man: Smiley Heads Stateside Set in 1965, The Taper Man picks up 18 months after the events of Harkaway’s bestselling Karla’s Choice and places George Smiley in unfamiliar terrain—America. The novel explores Smiley’s pursuit of a communist network on the US West Coast, threading together geopolitical paranoia with moral ambiguity in classic le Carré fashion. The story unfolds amid the tumultuous backdrop of the Civil Rights movement and the Vietnam War, with Smiley navigating tensions with the CIA ("the Cousins") while unravelling Soviet infiltrations that stretch back to the 1950s. “It’s time to meet our American Cousins,” Harkaway says. “We’re following the breadcrumbs of a messy debacle in Helsinki all the way to California, uncovering the truth of Karla’s 1950s network and pursuing Roy Bland into the USSR.” Publishing director Harriet Bourton of Viking describes The Taper Man as “an extraordinary new addition to the iconic literary world of John le Carré,” praising Harkaway’s ability to honour the legacy while making it unmistakably his own. Smiley on Stage: The Spy Who Came in From the Cold at Soho Place Alongside the novel news, spy fans will see Smiley on stage for the first time this November, when The Spy Who Came in From the Cold—le Carré’s 1963 classic—premieres at @sohoplace in London. Directed by Jeremy Herrin and adapted by acclaimed playwright David Eldridge, the production follows a successful run at Chichester Festival Theatre. Rory Keenan stars as Alec Leamas, the embittered British agent at the heart of the novel, with Agnes O’Casey playing Liz Gold. George Smiley will be portrayed by John Ramm. Clare Cornwell, director of the le Carré estate, says: “We are delighted to be celebrating the return of the Circus and George Smiley through these two new projects.” The John le Carré Legacy Continued Nick Harkaway, the fourth son of David Cornwell (John le Carré), previously completed the posthumous publication of Silverview and edited A Private Spy, a collection of his father’s letters. In Karla’s Choice, he took the bold step of writing new fiction within the le Carré universe—an effort praised by critics and readers alike. Watch our interview all about Karla's Choice with Nick Harkaway. With The Taper Man, Harkaway deepens his claim to the Smiley legacy while expanding the geopolitical canvas of the saga. For longtime fans of le Carré, and the next generation discovering his work through adaptations and new fiction, 2025 may just be the most thrilling year since Smiley first came in from the cold.