The Spy Who Came in from the Cold is a novel by British author John le Carré. Set during the political tensions of the Cold War, the revolutionary espionage novel portrays the intelligence services of both Eastern and Western nations as sacrificing morality in the name of national security. The Spy Who Came in from the Cold received critical acclaim at the time of its publication and became an international bestseller. Named “Best Crime Novel” by the Crime Writers' Association in 1963 and “Best Mystery Novel” by the Mystery Writers of America in 1965, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold was the first work to win the award from both writing organizations. Additionally, it was named the “Best spy novel

On its publication In 1964, John le Carre's The Spy Who Came In from the Cold forever changed the landscape of spy fiction. Le Carre combined the inside knowledge of his years in British intelligence with the skills of the best novelists to produce a story as taut as it is twisting, unlike any previously experienced. The Spy Who Came In from the Cold was hailed as a classic as soon as it was published