The Secret Agent

About “The Secret Agent”

The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale is a novel by Joseph Conrad, published in 1907. Set in London in 1886, it follows Mr. Adolf Verloc, a spy working for an unnamed country, likely Russia. The story is one of Conrad's later political novels, moving away from his earlier seafaring themes. It explores themes of anarchism, espionage, and terrorism. The novel also examines Verloc's exploitation of his brother-in-law, Stevie, who has an intellectual disability. Conrad's depiction of London in the novel was influenced by Charles Dickens’ Bleak House. The book is dedicated to H. G. Wells.