A tote bag showcasing a page from John le Carré’s first handwritten draft of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold.

This book rocketed John le Carré to success as an author. It spent 32 weeks at number one on the New York Times bestseller list and sold more than 12 million copies. The book explores themes of betrayal and deception and is credited with redefining the espionage genre.

Tradecraft is an exhibition which draws upon the vast archive of John le Carré, otherwise known as David Cornwell. Held at the Bodleian Libraries, this material – much of which is displayed for the first time – spans Cornwell’s entire life and career, from his time as a student at Lincoln College, Oxford, to drafts penned in his final weeks.

Runs 1 October 2025 – 6 April 2026

Made in UK with the kind permission of John le Carré Ltd.
©️ John le Carré Ltd 1974
John le Carré and George Smiley are registered trademarks owned by John le Carré Limited.