To tie in with the Weston Library exhibition titled, John le Carré: Tradecraft, (running until the 6th April 2026), we have created a pop-up book display.

The exhibition in the Weston Library, invites you to discover the enduring legacy of one of the greatest writers of the past century.

Tradecraft draws upon the vast archive of John le Carré, otherwise known as David Cornwell. Held at the Bodleian Libraries, this material – much of which is displayed for the first time – spans Cornwell’s entire life and career, from his time as a student at Lincoln College, Oxford, to drafts penned in his final weeks.

This exhibition offers unique insights into the working methods of the writer who shaped the modern spy novel. ‘Tradecraft’ is a word le Carré used to describe the techniques of espionage, but it might also be applied to his own skilled craft as a writer and social commentator. 

Co-curated by le Carré’s collaborator and friend Professor Federico Varese and Dr Jessica Douthwaite with the support of the le Carré family, John le Carré: Tradecraft will provide a multifaceted portrait of the author’s life and creative process, featuring research, drafts, and corrections for his novels, non-fiction, and adaptations, as well as personal correspondence.

Highlights include annotated manuscripts of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Constant Gardener, and The Little Drummer Girl; previously unseen family photographs; original sketches and watercolour paintings; and letters to fans and friends.

Please note: This exhibition contains references and images related to war, violence, guns and death that some visitors may find upsetting.

The book display in the SSL features seminal works by le Carré such as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, biographies of the author and books about British spy novels.

The book display contains books from the Collections Storage Facility (CSF). The items from the CSF are for use in the library only and cannot be borrowed. You are welcome to remove books from the display to look at in the library and return them there afterwards.

There will also be a series of talks to celebrate the exhibition, which will take place both in person at the Weston Library Lecture Theatre and online via Zoom. Find out more and book your place on the John le Carré talks webpage.

You can find out more about the exhibition, and upcoming exhibitions in the Weston Library on the Visit Bodleian web page