Senior: 11 & 12: Unit 1: The Spy Who Came in from the Cold

Presents an analysis of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John le Carré, which follows Alec Leamas, a cynical veteran intelligence agent who embarks on one last mission to entrap the head of the East German intelligence services. In its bleak depiction of the deception and betrayal that characterise the world of international espionage and the amorality of the spies themselves, the novel stood out from its predecessors and captivated readers with its authentic, gritty mood.

This compelling ebook describes how everyday people courageously survived under repressive Communist regimes until the voices and actions of rebellious individuals resulted in the fall of the Iron Curtain in Europe. Part of Greenwood's Daily Life through History series, Daily Life behind the Iron Curtain enables today's generations to understand what it was like for those living in Eastern Europe during the Cold War, particularly the period from 1961 to 1989, the era during which these people--East Germans in particular--lived in the imposing shadow of the Berlin Wall. An introductory chapter discusses the Russian Revolution, the end of World War II, and the establishment of the Socialist state, clarifying the reasons for the construction of the Berlin Wall. Many historical anecdotes bring these past experiences to life, covering all aspects of life behind the Iron Curtain, including separation of families and the effects on family life, diet, rationing, media, clothing and trends, strict travel restrictions, defection attempts, and the evolving political climate. The final chapter describes Eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin wall and the slow assimilation of East into West, and examines Europe after Communism.