LE CARRE, John.

Call For The Dead.

London: Victor Gollancz, 1961.

$4,000.00

In Stock Item Number: RRB-151968

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“Society is unconcerned with the aftermath of sensation”: First Edition of John Le Carré’s First Book Call For The Dead; Signed by Him and Finely Bound by The Harcourt Bindery

First edition of the author's first book, which introduced the world to the recurring protagonist, George Smiley. Octavo, bound in full morocco by the Harcourt Bindery with gilt titles and ruling to the spine in five compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, gilt inner dentelles stamp-signed by the Harcourt Bindery, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. Boldly signed by John Le Carré on a page bound in. Founded over a century ago in 1900, the Harcourt Bindery is the oldest and largest traditional bindery in America exclusively devoted to fine traditional leather bookbinding by hand. Harcourt Bindery uses 22 karat genuine gold leaf, top grades of Nigerian moroccos, and hand marbled papers from craftsmen representing seven countries. In fine condition.

Call for The Dead introduces George Smiley, probably the greatest figure in all of spy fiction. The New York Times praised the novel as "[a] subtle and acute story of counter-espionage marked by restraint, indirection, and intelligence." The book was adapted into a film entitled The Deadly Affair directed by Sidney Lumet starring James Mason as Smiley. The film received five BAFTA Awards nominations, including Best British Film and Best British Actor.