Len Deighton Len Deighton Leonard Cyril Deighton (; born 18 February 1929), known as Len Deighton, is a British author. Deighton is considered one of the top three spy novelists of his time (along with Ian Fleming and John le Carré). In addition he is a highly acclaimed military historian, cookery writer, and graphic artist. "The IPCRESS File" (1962), his first novel, was an instant bestseller and broke the mould of thriller writing. "The Sunday Times" called him "the poet of the spy story". Deighton’s first protagonist – a nameless spy christened Harry Palmer in the films – was made famous worldwide
A Very British Coup (miniseries) A Very British Coup (miniseries) A Very British Coup is a 1988 television miniseries adapted from Chris Mullin's 1982 novel "A Very British Coup" in 1988 by screenwriter Alan Plater and director Mick Jackson. Starring Ray McAnally, the series was first screened on Channel 4 and won Bafta and Emmy awards, and was syndicated to more than 30 countries. The 2012 four-part Channel 4 series, "Secret State", was "inspired" by the same novel. Starring Gabriel Byrne, this version was written by Robert Jones. Harry Perkins, an unassuming, working class, very left-wing Leader of the Labour Party and Member of Parliament