Spy

Ranked 46th among the 100 Best English Novels of the 20th Century by American Modern Library One of the most quoted terrorism-themed novels by the American media after 9·11 Listed in reading lists for American middle school students and undergraduates One of Conrad's best novels, it predicted the rise of terrorism, anarchism, and secret services like MI5 in the 20th century. The novel, a political novel distinct from Conrad's seafaring novels, is now considered one of Conrad's best novels and predicted the rise of terrorism, anarchy, and secret services like MI5 in the 20th century. The New York Times praised this book as "the most outstanding novelistic study of terrorism" and was one of the most quoted novels on the theme of terrorism by the American media after 9/11. It was also included in the American Modern Library's list of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century and the American Society of Mystery Novelists' list of the 100 best detective novels of all time. Mr. Verloc is the owner of a small shop in London selling pornographic films, contraceptives and knick-knacks, but accidentally gets acquainted with a group of anarchists. These people asked him to blow up the Greenwich National Observatory. What was considered a "simple operation" went horribly wrong and developed in a completely unforeseen and catastrophic direction. London's politicians, police, and diplomats were all involved in this dark and surprising event.