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Every book Joseph Kanon recommended on podcasts
Joseph Kanon appears as a guest on The Book Review to discuss the history and evolution of espionage fiction, focusing heavily on the foundational works of John le Carré and Frederick Forsyth. Kanon analyzes the landmark impact of le Carré's 1963 novel The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, noting that while two novels preceded it, the book marked a major turning point in the genre. He also discusses le Carré's very first published novel, Call for the Dead, and recounts publishing history details, such as how British publisher Victor Gollancz came up with the iconic title for The Spy Who Came in from the Cold. In addition to le Carré, Kanon examines the breakthrough success of Frederick Forsyth, highlighting his major thriller The Day of the Jackal and its follow-up novel, The Odessa File. Through his commentary, Kanon offers deep historical insight into the conventions, origins, and standout milestones of classic spy thrillers, showcasing how these foundational authors shaped the landscape of modern suspense literature.
Books recommended by Joseph Kanon
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Call for the Dead
Call for the Dead by John le Carré is a classic espionage novel that introduces intelligence officer George Smiley as he investigates the apparent suicide of a foreign office employee.
Discussed“and it became call for the dead his first novel for which I think he got 100 pound”
Where to get it
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The Day of the Jackal
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth is a gripping thriller detailing the meticulous planning and execution of a high-stakes political assassination.
Discussed“um in forsight case it's Day of the Jackal which he follows up with the Odessa file”
Where to get it
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The Odessa file
Discussed“um in forsight case it's Day of the Jackal which he follows up with the Odessa file”
Where to get it
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The Spy Who Came in from the Cold
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold is a classic espionage novel by John le Carré that follows British intelligence operative Alec Leamas through a grim, morally ambiguous mission in Cold War Berlin.
Discussed“there were two novels that preceded Spy Who Came in from the cold but spy was a landmark in its day in 1963”
Where to get it
Books Joseph Kanon wrote
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside The New York Times Book Review: Michael Connelly’s ‘The Crossing’ | The Book Review | 2024-07-18 | 5 |