The Naive And Sentimental Lover Signed And Inscribed By John Le Carré

Author: John Le Carré
Price: £1450
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton, London, UK
Edition: First edition
Publication Date: 1971
Format: Original cloth gilt. Dustwrapper
Condition: Near fine in a fine dustwrapper
Size: 16.3cm x 24.2cm
Pages: 416

Description:

“The Naive and Sentimental Lover” is the fifth novel by acclaimed author John Le Carré, published by Hodder & Stoughton in 1971. This first edition is uniquely inscribed by the author on the title page: ‘For Mr Johnson of W. H. Smith from John Le Carré with best wishes August 71’. While the exact identity of ‘Mr Johnson’ remains a mystery, it is known that Le Carré received significant support from the firm of W. H. Smith early in his career. This near fine copy features minor rubbing and creasing to the cloth at the spine, with clean pages and a binding that is nice and tight. The price-clipped dustwrapper is in fine condition with only very slightly rubbing. Inscribed copies from the year of publication are exceptionally scarce.

The Story:

“The Naive and Sentimental Lover” diverges from Le Carré’s usual espionage genre, delving instead into a richly layered narrative that explores themes of identity, love, and existential angst. The novel follows the life of Aldo Cassidy, a successful but discontented businessman who becomes enthralled with a bohemian couple, Shamus and Helen. As Cassidy becomes increasingly entangled in their world, he undergoes a profound personal transformation. The novel is a compelling exploration of human relationships and the search for meaning in a materialistic world.

Condition:

• Binding: Nice and tight with minor rubbing and creasing to the cloth at the spine.
• Pages: Very nice and clean throughout.
• Boards: Nice and bright.
• Dustwrapper: Fine, very slightly rubbed, and price-clipped, with minimal signs of wear.

Key Features:

• Historical Significance: A first edition of John Le Carré’s fifth novel, uniquely signed and inscribed by the author.
• Collector’s Item: A rare and highly sought-after signed edition in remarkable condition.
• Condition Details: Inscribed copies are very scarce and this is a lovely copy.

John Le Carre: A Short Biography

John le Carré was the pen name of David John Moore Cornwell (1931–2020), an acclaimed British author best known for his espionage novels, which explore the moral complexities of Cold War politics, loyalty, betrayal, and human nature. Le Carré’s works are considered classics of the spy genre, and many of his characters, such as George Smiley, have become iconic.

Early Life and Career

David Cornwell was born in Poole, Dorset, England, and raised in challenging circumstances due to his father’s criminal activities and his mother’s abandonment when he was five. He attended Sherborne School, then studied at the University of Bern and later at Oxford, where he was recruited by British intelligence. After graduating, he served briefly in the British Army and worked as a teacher before joining the UK’s Foreign Service in the 1950s.

Intelligence Work and Writing

Le Carré worked for both MI5 and MI6, Britain’s domestic and foreign intelligence services, during the height of the Cold War. His work as a spy provided the authentic backdrop for his novels. His first few books, such as Call for the Dead (1961) and A Murder of Quality (1962), introduced George Smiley, a character who would appear throughout his career. However, it was The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1963), a bleak, gritty portrayal of the world of espionage, that made him an international sensation.

Themes and Style

Le Carré’s novels diverged from the glamorous, action-packed stories of spies like James Bond. Instead, they portrayed espionage as a morally ambiguous world filled with bureaucracy, deceit, and human frailty. His most famous works, like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1974) and Smiley’s People (1979), focused on psychological tension, the emotional cost of espionage, and the complex geopolitical landscape of the Cold War.

Key Works

1. The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1963): A Cold War spy thriller about a British agent’s mission to bring down an East German intelligence officer.
2. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1974): A masterfully complex tale of Smiley’s investigation into a Soviet mole within British intelligence.
3. The Honourable Schoolboy (1977): A follow-up to Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, focusing on espionage in Southeast Asia.
4. Smiley’s People (1980): The final book in the Karla Trilogy, culminating in George Smiley’s confrontation with his Soviet rival.
5. The Constant Gardener (2001): A later novel tackling corruption in the pharmaceutical industry, adapted into an award-winning film.

Legacy

Le Carré’s novels transcended the spy genre and were celebrated for their deep psychological insights, intricate plotting, and keen understanding of international politics. He continued to write prolifically into the 21st century, addressing contemporary issues like terrorism, corporate greed, and the post-Cold War political landscape.

Several of his works have been adapted into successful films and television series, including The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and The Night Manager.

Le Carré passed away in December 2020 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest and most influential writers of his generation. His work not only entertained but also provoked deeper thinking about the human cost of espionage and global politics.

Why Collect This Edition?
Owning this signed first edition of “The Naive and Sentimental Lover” is akin to holding a piece of literary history. Its rarity and excellent condition make it a significant addition to any fine collection of classic literature.

Why buy from us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our book collection is meticulously curated to ensure that each edition is a valuable and authentic piece of bibliographical history. Here’s what sets us apart:

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