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The Secret Agent

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( 24,718 ratings, 2,008 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad is set in London and follows the story of Mr Verloc, a secret agent who owns a shop while leading a double life filled with espionage and political intrigue. Pressured by foreign diplomats to execute a plot that will stir public unrest, Verloc and those around him are caught in a web of deceit and unintended consequences. The novel explores themes of terrorism, anarchism, and the complexities of human motives against a backdrop of early 20th-century societal tensions.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this gripping crime and thriller story if you appreciate exploring the darker, often chaotic underbelly of society through a narrative filled with intrigue and political tension. With carefully woven suspense and profound psychological depth, this tale delves into the complexities of anarchism, espionage, and the human condition.

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A story of espionage, intrigue and corruption based on a real-life attempted terrorist attack in Victorian London, The Secret Agent was one of literature’s first political thrillers, and is widely considered to be among Conrad’s most compelling works.

Presented in a new annotated edition accompanied with extra material, The Secret Agent is one of literature’s first political thrillers, and is widely considered to be among Conrad’s masterpieces

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The shop owner Adolf Verloc, a member of an anarchist group and secret agent for a foreign government, is summoned to meet Mr Vladimir, the country’s ambassador. He is told of a plot that involves him planting a bomb at a famous London landmark. Verloc has misgivings, but Mr Vladimir knows how to make people do what he wants. When the plan goes wrong, it is Verloc who must deal with the repercussions.

A story of espionage, intrigue, and corruption based on a real-life attempted terrorist attack in Victorian London, The Secret Agent was one of literature’s first political thrillers. It is widely considered to be among Conrad’s masterpieces.

Series: Alma Classics Evergreens

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  • The Secret Agent
    The shop owner Adolf Verloc, a member of an anarchist group and secret agent for a foreign government, is summoned to meet Mr Vladimir, the country’s ambassador. He is told of a plot that involves him planting a bomb at a famous London landmark. Verloc has misgivings, but Mr Vladimir knows how to make people do what he wants. When...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Secret Agent is regarded by Ford Madox Ford as one of the most significant detective stories ever penned. It captivates readers with its intricate plot and psychological depth, offering a profound exploration of espionage and intrigue.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781847498267

Publisher: Alma Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 June 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Alma Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Joseph Conrad (1857–1924) was a Polish-born English novelist, whose works, most famously Heart of Darkness, took a cynical view of imperialism when the British Empire was at its apogee.

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