copyright 1963; Coward-McCann, Inc. publishers, New York; Book Club Edition; hardbound in olivine green and black boards with gilt stamped author's signature embossed on cover and gilt stamp lettering along spine; very good condition with unmarked pages; previous owner's name under the front dust flap; dust jacket quite good with minimal edge wear.
 
Description -
In this classic, John le Carre's third novel and the first to earn him international acclaim, he created a world unlike any previously experienced in suspense fiction. With unsurpassed knowledge culled from his years in British Intelligence, le Carre brings to light the shadowy dealings of international espionage in the tale of a British agent who longs to end his career but undertakes one final, bone-chilling assignment. When the last agent under his command is killed and Alec Leamas is called back to London, he hopes to come in from the cold for good. His spymaster, Control, however, has other plans. Determined to bring down the head of East German Intelligence and topple his organization, Control once more sends Leamas into the fray -- this time to play the part of the dishonored spy and lure the enemy to his ultimate defeat.