Cost and Registration Information

Early Registration Price (by February 10): $200
Regular Price (after February 10): $220

Please note: The brochure incorrectly listed the number of sessions and tuition. The price and course length reflected here are correct.

This seminar is full. Please call (312) 255-3700 to be on the waitlist.

Seminar Description

John le Carré, prolific British author of espionage novels, is arguably at his best when writing about his protagonist George Smiley. A notable foil to spies like James Bond, Smiley is inconspicuous in appearance and uses his wit to serve his country. In this seminar, we will read two Smiley novels: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, and Smiley's People. In particular, we will explore the ways that the character enables le Carré to demonstrate the essential nature of betrayal in a spy's game and the value and moral cost of such action. We will also make connections between le Carré’s work and the use of intelligence in our modern, but still dangerous, world. Six sessions.

Tom Irvine is the Chief Information Officer from The Chicago Community Trust and a life-long devotee to mystery and spy novels.

Materials List

Required:

• Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. John le Carré, Penguin 2011. ISBN 13: 9780143119784
• Smiley’s People. John le Carré, Penguin 2011. ISBN 13: 9780143119777

First Readings:

• Please read Chapters 1-5 of John le Carré’s Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy for the first class.

This class is part of the Newberry’s Adult Education Seminars Program. Learn more about our registration procedures.