Books

First edition, first impression, of this accepted masterpiece of spy fiction, a noted source of inspiration for Ian Fleming, le Carr�, and countless other spy-thriller writers. "Of all fictitious spy stories, Ashenden's adventures come nearest to the real-life experiences of his creator" (Masters, p. 65). This collection of interconnected short stories is based on the author's time working in the British Secret Intelligence Service. It follows the adventures of the titular character as he operates for SIS during the First World War in Switzerland and other countries across Europe and Asia under the cover of being an author. The book provided the source material of the 1936 film The Secret Agent, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Toole-Stott A37a. Anthony Masters, Literary Agents: The Novelist as Spy, 1987. Octavo. Finely bound by the Chelsea Bindery in dark green morocco, spine lettered and framed in gilt, gilt ruling on covers, board edges, and turn-ins, patterned endpapers, edges gilt. A fine copy.

A collection of interconnected stories based on Maugham's experiences as a British spy during World War I. The stories delve into the subtleties and complexities of espionage and are considered some of the earliest works of fiction in the spy genre.