The Naïve and Sentimental Lover.

LE CARRE, John.

$800.00

Item Number: 146204

London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1971.

First edition of le Carré’s classic sixth novel. Octavo, original cloth. Boldly signed by John le Carre on the title page. Near fine in a near fine price-clipped dust jacket. Jacket design by Tony Geddes. An exceptional example.

Loosely based on Le Carre's relationship with James and Susan Kennaway following the breakdown of his first marriage, The Naïve and Sentimental Lover follows the story of Aldo Cassidy, a young entrepreneur who meets an aging writer and his beautiful wife with whom he develops a passionate relationship. Upon its release, the novel received mixed reviews, and prompted Le Carre's return to the spy genre and his most famous character George Smiley with the acclaimed Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and subsequent sequels in The Quest for Karla trilogy.