Once again the semi retired old master is dragged out of deliberately chosen obscurity by his circumstances and pleading civil servants for one last titanic battle against his old nemesis in Moscow, Karla. As always Smiley slopes through the hustle and bustle unnoticed and unloved, save only by those who admire and respect him, those who have served under and around him. Such is the love for the man they will do what ever he wants unpaid and unbidden, simply because he asks it. Hyper good manners, stiff upper lip, stoic and resourceful to the last, he meshes personnal risk, subtle use of old comrades, and occassionaly ruthless exploitation to achieve his aim. I cannot rate this novel high enough.