8vo, FIRST EDITION, SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR ("John le Carré") on the title page, original red cloth lettered in gilt on spine, DUST-JACKET, some slight soiling to upper corner of lower board, crease at the foot of dust-jacket spine and library stamp in blind on lower panel

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

As stated on the dust-jacket, "Mr Le Carré's second thriller", and his only novel not to focus on the world of espionage.