John le Carré, the British author and former intelligence officer who won global renown for his series of spy novels, has died at the age of 89.

David Cornwell, who was better known to the world by his pen name, passed away after a short illness in Cornwall on Saturday evening, his agent confirmed on Sunday night.

His celebrated novels, including The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, were international best-sellers and introduced the world to the much-loved character of George Smiley, his self-effacing spymaster.

Announcing the death of “one of the world’s great writers”, Jonny Geller, of Curtis Brown, who had represented Le Carré for 15 years, shared a statement from the author’s family.

It said: “It is with great sadness that we must confirm that David Cornwell – John le Carré – passed away from pneumonia last Saturday night after a short battle with the illness.

Read The Telegraph's full obituary here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2020/12/14/john-le-carre-outstanding-novelist-whose-work-transcended-spy/

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