British spy writer John le Carré passed away on Saturday evening. He was known for his thrillers that mostly take place in the Cold War, such as The Spy Who Came in from the Cold in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Many of his books have been made into films.
John le Carré was 89 years old. He died of pneumonia after a short illness, his agent announced.
David Cornwell, as Le Carré was really called, was himself active in West Germany for the British secret service. His career as a spy came to an end in 1964 when British double agent Kim Philby betrayed him and a large number of other secret agents to the Russian secret service KGB in a high-profile case.
Out of boredom
Le Carré continued to write into an old age. He debuted in 1961 with Call for the Dead, introducing his most famous character George Smiley. It would return in different titles. He had to choose a pseudonym because he was an official diplomat, and they were not allowed to publish books under their own name.
Last year, Le Carré released his latest book: Agent Running in the Field. He has 25 novels to his credit and his memoirs, under the title The Pigeon Tunnel (2016). More than 60 million of his books have been sold worldwide.
One of his greatest successes was The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1964). That book, which he says he wrote out of boredom during his years at the British embassy in Bonn, sold more than 20 million copies. Richard Burton played the lead role in the film adaptation.
John le Carré made a name for himself with books set in the Cold War, but in later years he also addressed other themes, such as the international arms trade, the pharmaceutical industry and the fight against terrorism.
Very nice and special man
Hanca Leppink knew Cornwell well. She translated some of Le Carré’s books and was its permanent editor for the Netherlands. She is shocked by the news. “He was a strong man. I thought: he will be at least 100,” she said NOS With A View to Tomorrow on NPO Radio 1.
The first book Leppink translated was in the 1980s. She has met him several times since then and has fond memories of it. “He was a very nice and special man.”
Six weeks ago, Leppink had been in contact with Cornwell. “He said he was working on a new book. He has always kept writing.” Le Carré therefore died in armor, says Leppink.
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