John le Carre

Date of Birth: October 19, 1931

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: December 12, 2020

Biography

John le Carré, born David John Moore Cornwell, was a British author renowned for his espionage novels. Born on October 19, 1931, in Poole, Dorset, England, he became one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Le Carré attended the University of Bern in Switzerland and later Lincoln College, Oxford, where he developed a deep interest in German literature and culture. After a brief teaching stint, he joined the British Foreign Service, serving in various diplomatic roles, including postings in Germany during the Cold War. His experiences in intelligence work heavily influenced his writing, leading to the creation of his most famous character, George Smiley. Le Carré’s breakthrough novel, “The Spy Who Came in from the Cold” (1963), received critical acclaim and established him as a master of the spy genre. Over the next decades, he penned numerous bestsellers, including “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” “The Night Manager,” and “The Constant Gardener,” many of which were adapted into successful films and TV series. Le Carré’s work is celebrated for its intricate plots, rich character development, and deep moral questions about loyalty, betrayal, and the human cost of espionage. He passed away on December 12, 2020, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence writers and filmmakers worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about John le Carre

1. John le Carré’s real name was David John Moore Cornwell.

2. He worked for MI5 and MI6 before becoming a full-time writer.

3. His third novel, “The Spy Who Came in from the Cold,” brought him international fame.

4. Le Carré’s father, Ronnie Cornwell, was a notorious conman who was jailed for insurance fraud.

5. He was fluent in German, which he studied extensively during his university years.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John le Carre

1. “The desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world.”

2. “A good writer can watch a cat pad across the street and know what it is to be pounced upon by a Bengal tiger.”

3. “Spying is waiting.”

4. “The cat sat on the mat is not a story. The cat sat on the dog’s mat is a story.”

5. “Writing, like life itself, is a voyage of discovery.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, John le Carré’s net worth was estimated to be around $100 million.

Children

John le Carré had four sons: Simon Cornwell, Stephen Cornwell, Timothy Cornwell, and Nicholas Cornwell (who writes under the pseudonym Nick Harkaway).