John le Carré Donates Archive to Bodleian Library

February 24, 2011

John le Carré has donated his literary archive to Oxford University's Bodleian Library.

The 85 boxes donated to the library contain many drafts of his novels. including the first manuscript for his most famous novel, Tinker Tailor Solider Spy.

The Bodleian is the natural home for the archive as le Carré read languages at Lincoln College, Oxford. The inspiration behind the character George Smiley was his tutor, Rev Vivian Green.

The archive also contains correspondence, personal and family papers, and photos. The Bodleian plans to make the archive available online and to use it as a valuable research resource. It will display drafts of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy on World Book Day on the 3rd March.