John le Carré was a British author best known for his espionage novels. Born on October 19, 1931, as David Cornwell, he served in the British intelligence during the Cold War, which greatly influenced his writing. His most famous works include The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and the George Smiley series, which explore themes of betrayal and moral ambiguity in the world of espionage. Le Carré's writing is characterized by its complex characters and intricate plots. He often depicted the darker side of intelligence work, contrasting the glamorous image often portrayed in popular culture. His contributions to literature earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated readership until his passing on December 12, 2020.