John Le Carré was a British author best known for his espionage novels, which often explore the moral complexities of intelligence work. Born David Cornwell in 1931, he served in the British intelligence during the Cold War, experiences that deeply influenced his writing. His most famous works include The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and the George Smiley series. Le Carré's novels are characterized by their intricate plots and rich character development, often highlighting the gray areas of loyalty and betrayal. His storytelling has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated readership, making him one of the most significant writers in the spy fiction genre.