Book
The private life of spies : and the exquisite art of getting even / Alexander McCall Smith.
A new short story collection-- half spy stories, half tales of revenge-- all highlight the kinder, funnier, and gentler side of espionage and retribution. In this dual collection of short stories, Alexander McCall Smith brings his trademark humor and warmth to inventive tales of spying and vengeance. In one story, a spy dropped deep into enemy territory manages to disguise himself-- quite convincingly-- as a nun. In another, an invitation to join the Vatican Secret Service sends a prospective operative down a rabbit hole of controversy and confusion. A third story finds an author, on the brink of public ruin, seeing the error of his ways after an act of kindness saves the day. A keen observer of humanity imbued with a sparkling imagination, Alexander McCall Smith illustrates throughout that transparency is paramount and forgiveness is restorative. With surprising insight and a healthy helping of humor, these stories remind us that, in the end, the high road is often the better one for all involved.
Record details
- ISBN: 9780593700693
- ISBN: 0593700694
- Physical Description: 289 pages ; 25 cm
- Edition: First American edition.
- Publisher: New York : Pantheon Books, [2023]
- Copyright: ©2023
Content descriptions
| General Note: | "Stories of espionage and revenge"-Cover. Originally published in hardcover in two volumes in Great Britain as The Exquisite Art of Getting Even by Polygon Books, an imprint of Birlinn Limited, Edinburgh, in 2022, and The Private Life of Shadows by Abacus, an imprint of Little, Brown Book Group, London, in 2023. |
| Formatted Contents Note: | The Private life of spies: Author's Note ; Nuns and spies (England, 1943) ; Syphax and Omar (Algiers, 1924) ; Ferry timetable (Scotland, 1984) ; Donald and Yevgeni (Shanghai, Moscow, Washington, 1934-1947) ; Filioque (Rome, 2022) -- The Exquisite art of getting even: Sweet vengeance: an introduction ; Vengeance is mine ; A Melbourne story: an introduction ; The principles of soap ; Cavalleria rusticana: an introduction ; Monty, Tiger, Rose, etc. ; Dignity & decency: an introduction ; One, two, Three. |
Search for related items by subject
| Subject: | Intelligence officers > Fiction. Revenge > Fiction. Secret service > Fiction. Interpersonal relations > Fiction. |
| Genre: | Spy fiction. Short stories. |
Available copies
- 44 of 51 copies available at SPARK Libraries.
Holds
- 0 current holds with 51 total copies.
Other Formats and Editions
Show Only Available Copies
| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abington Community Library | FICTION MCCALL (Text) | 50687011833749 | Adult Fiction | Available | - |
| Albright Memorial Library | FICTION MCCALL (Text) | 50686016298445 | Adult Fiction | Available | - |
| Albright Memorial Library | FICTION MCCALL SMITH (Text) | 50686090089587 | Browsing | Available | - |
| Annie Halenbake Ross Library | F Smi (Text)
Memorial:
In Memoriam of Lucy McLaughlin by Julie Evers & Mark Givler
|
00158484 | ADULT Fiction | Available | - |
| Bedford County Library | F MCC (Text) | 35010001103074 | Adult Fiction | Available | - |
| Cambria County Library | FICTION McCal (Text) | 85131001876540 | CACM Fiction | Available | - |
| Collinsville Community Library | Adults MCC Fiction (Text) | 34259000495467 | Adult Area | Available | - |
| Coudersport Public Library | FIC MCC (Text) | 30183000706554 | Adult Fiction | Available | - |
| Dillsburg Area Public Library | Adults MCC Fiction (Text) | 34001001437878 | Adult Area | Available | - |
| Dover Area Community Library | Adults MCC Fiction (Text) | 34217000895896 | Adult Area | Available | - |
