Tinker at 50 w/ Dominic Sandbrook

In this episode of the Le Carré Cast, Jeff interviews British historian Dominic Sandbrook. They delve into Sandbrook’s introduction to John le Carré’s works, particularly Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and discuss the author’s literary impact and historical context. The conversation covers le Carré’s influence during Britain’s 1970s cultural and political landscape, along with Sandbrook’s personal exploration and critique of le Carré’s novels.

The episode also highlights Harold Wilson and Smiley, le Carré and Margaret Thatcher, and just how much should we know about our literary heroes.

Plus, a le Carré Assassin’s Creed and Star Wars’ Andor?

• 00:00 Introduction to the le Carré Cast
• 01:16 Dominic’s First Encounter with le Carré
• 02:49 The Impact of Le Carré’s Works
• 05:10 The 50th Anniversary of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
• 13:38 Harold Wilson and George Smiley: A Comparison
• 17:49 The Dark Mood of 1970s Britain
• 20:54 Le Carré’s Literary Mastery
• 26:30 Critique of Le Carré’s Writing Style
• 28:16 Le Carré and Margaret Thatcher: An Unlikely Admiration
• 30:07 The Complexity of Le Carré’s Political Views
• 31:09 Balancing Biography and Privacy
• 34:59 Le Carré’s Literary Legacy
• 36:27 Le Carré in Popular Culture
• 39:45 The Future of Le Carré’s Works
  42:10 Lightning Round: Assassin’s Creed and Andor
• 45:40 Closing Remarks and Podcast Recommendations

Dominic’s website – https://dominicsandbrook.com/

Dominic’s Twitter – https://x.com/dcsandbrook

The Rest is History club – https://therestishistory.supportingcast.fm/

Jeff’s site – SpyWrite.com

Jeff’s twitter – @spywrite