Book of Spies : An Anthology of Literary Espionage

An anthology of the world's best literary espionage, selected by a contemporary master of the genre, Alan Furst. Here is an extraordinary collection of work from some of the finest novelists of the twentieth century. Inspired by the politics of tyranny or war, each of these writers chose the base elements of spy fictionhighly evolved spy fictionas the framework for a literary novel. Thus Alan Furst offers a diverse array of selections that combine raw excitement and intellectual sophistication in an expertly guided tour of the dark world of clandestine conflict. These are not just stories of professional intelligence officers. We meet diplomats, political police,agents provocateurs, secret operatives, resistance fighters, and assassinsplayers in the Great Game, or victims of the Cold War.The Book of Spiesbrings us the aristocratic intrigues ofThe Scarlet Pimpernel, in which French emigres duel with Robespierre's secret service; the savage political realities of the 1930s in Eric Ambler's classicA Coffin for Dimitrios;the ordinary citizens (well, almost) of John le Carre'sThe Russia House, who are drawn into Cold War spy games; and the 1950s Vietnam of Graham Greene'sThe Quiet American, with its portrait of American idealism and duplicity. Drawing on acknowledged classics and rediscovered treasures, Alan Furst'sThe Book of Spiesdelivers literate entertainment and excitement on every page.

<b>Alan Furst</b> is widely recognized as the master of the historical spy novel. He is the author of <i>Night Soldiers</i>, <i>Dark Star</i>, <i>The Polish Officer</i>, <i>The World at Night</i>, <i>Red Gold</i>, <i>Kingdom of Shadows</i>, and <i>Blood of Victory</i>, all of which are available as Random House Trade Paperbacks. Born in New York, he has lived for long periods in France, especially Paris. He now lives on Long Island, New York.