The Russia House.

LE CARRE, John .

Item Number: 121492

London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1989.

Uncorrected proof of the first edition of le Carre’s classic novel, basis for the film starring Sean Connery and Michelle Pfeiffer. Octavo, original illustrated wrappers. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the dedication page, “Dear Sally, I think you must be a very good photographer. It was fun- best, John le Carre May 17th ’89.” The recipient, British photojournalist Sally Soames, worked for The Sunday Times from 1968 until 2000 and was highly regarded for her exclusively black and white portraits of many of the most prominent figures of the 20th century including Menachem Begin, Margaret Atwood, Margaret Thatcher, Sean Connery, Rudolf Nureyev, Alec Guinness and Andy Warhol. Soames, who was known to be a warm and personal journalist, performed extensive research on her subjects and developed intimate rapports with them during her process, resulting in striking and revealing portraits. In addition to the several world leaders Soames came to know and photograph, she captured the unique personalities of some of the world’s most gifted authors, poets, and playwrights. She published two books of photographs during her lifetime: Manpower (1987) with text by Robin Morgan and an introduction by Harold Evans and Writers (1995) with a preface by Norman Mailer. In near fine condition. An exceptional association copy.

The title The Russia House refers to the nickname given to the portion of the British Secret Intelligence Service that was devoted to spying on the Soviet Union. The motion picture based on the novel was released in 1990, starring Sean Connery and Michelle Pfeiffer, and directed by Fred Schepisi.